Flexibility, sustainability and inspiration are the key premises for living in the home with greater intensity and frequency, in the light of the new requirements of many home-based workers, and an environmental awareness that fortunately has become much more widespread. The Project of Living proposed by Arper is a concept and a possibility, an invitation for people to think, a theme of investigation for the designers involved in the creation of furnishings for hybrid functions and spaces. The Arper offerings for 2022 are based on harmonious forms, dynamic colors and versatile systems that transcend the traditional categories of home versus contract, adapting to any environment or activity in a flexible, modular and sustainable way.
Shaal, modular design and enveloping forms
Structured and soft at the same time, like a basket full of cushions, the Shaal sofa designed by the studio Doshi Levien offers an enveloping embrace, bringing tactile pleasure and warmth into any space, for residential or contract projects.
Shaal joins the existing Arper sofa collection, combining exceptional comfort with modular flexibility. The structural shell cradles deep cushions and raises the elegant form of the sofa off the ground. The distinctive design of Shaal stems from its dualism: made to measure but soft, ample but light, stable but adaptable, sustainable but precious.
The system includes central, end and corner modules, ready to combine to create standard or personalized configurations. “The modular design makes it possible to insert the sofa in various contexts, including workplace interiors that are incorporating more softness and comfort in their interior design, to adapt to changes in the way people work. We gave observed that there is a great need for variety and diversity in work settings, especially after the pandemic,” say Nipa Doshi and Jonathan Levien.
Both the rigid padded panel – which sets the form of the high back – and the cushions permit great expressive impact in infinite combinations of materials, including fabric and leather.
Shaal has been formulated to address every phase of its entire life cycle: the removable covering can be replaced to extend the product’s life, and the parts and materials can be separated to facilitate recycling.
Ghia: the search for a lasting balance
The new Ghia table system, designed by Studio Altherr Désile Park, covers a large variety of forms and finishes and enables users to create infinite combinations, adapting to any space and boosting opportunities for use together with seating. In the guise of an individual piece or a constellation of different forms to furnish a space, every item takes on a vivid personal touch. Two types of bases – with three legs in an asymmetrical profile, or with a sculptural central support – are available in three different heights, supporting tops with rounded and organic forms in various sizes.
“Our idea was for the Ghia collection to create relationships between furnishings with an organic look, and other more formal pieces, or items based on an industrial language. To achieve this, we have worked very carefully on the balance between geometric and natural figures. The table can be in the foreground or fade into the background; it can be delicate or sculptural. It is a balance that belongs to the table, on its own or when it is combined with other collections in the Arper catalogue. Finally, it is in balance with what we expect from spaces. These tables establish a relationship with the setting in a delicate language, triggering a relaxed sense of wellbeing,” the designers explain.
The materials have clearly been chosen with an eye on sustainability: MDF free of VOCs, painted in terracotta or sage green; European oak with FSC certification, in a natural or black finish; Venetian terrazzo for the smaller tops, in pale or dark versions.
Photo © Alga Studio, Salva Lopez
