Snøhetta is a renowned design and architecture studio known for its ability to blend creativity and sustainability across projects ranging from architecture to interior and product design. Founded on the idea of creating spaces that are both functional and poetic, Snøhetta adopts a transdisciplinary approach that integrates architecture, landscape, product design, graphic and digital design, and art. With offices located in eight cities across four different continents — Oslo, New York, Innsbruck, Paris, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Adelaide, and Melbourne — the studio offers a wide array of global perspectives and expertise. Their unique approach to product design is perfectly exemplified by the modular Array sofa project, created for MDF Italia. This project showcases Snøhetta’s desire to challenge the status quo and revolutionize the concept of comfort and modularity in product design. The Array is not just a sofa, but a design experience that embodies the fundamental values of innovation, sustainability, and collaboration.
What is your approach to design, especially product design? What values guide you?
We initiate each project with Snøhetta’s core values: social, economic, and environmental sustainability. These principles form the foundation of our design processes, allowing us to maintain an open mind and explore how new collaborations can create meaningful impact. Our projects vary widely in their scale of impact, but our ambition remains to constantly push boundaries and maximize potential within each collaboration, a unique aspect of our work. Our context is deeply intertwined with our architectural discipline, influencing how we define product design. By collaborating with diverse brands that each bring unique capabilities and challenges, we create synergy and address ambitious goals together. This project’s success exemplifies the unique outcomes of such collaborations.
How does your architectural experience influence your product design?
In our Oslo office, about 140 people work collaboratively in an open space that promotes constant interaction between architects and product designers. This setup enriches our perspective, naturally encouraging us to consider spatial aspects in product design. For example, the sofa’s soft curvature supports its placement in the middle of a room, enhancing spatial dynamism rather than confining it to walls. Our architectural insights offer a “crystal ball,” helping predict trends and ensure that our designs align with future industry contexts. This foresight enables us to develop innovative products that are attuned to long-term aspirations.
What inspired the Array concept sofa, and how does it challenge norms?
The Array concept began with an ambitious brief requiring a product that embodies everything in one piece. MDF Italia’s openness to explore new routes allowed us to move away from traditional design presentations, instead initiating a dialogue on innovative approaches to sofa design. This collaboration led to a focus on precision, modularity, and sustainability. By leveraging new techniques, such as injection molding for a recycled plastic core, we significantly reduced material and emissions, resulting in a truly sustainable, disassemblable product. This approach — from micro-levels to macro outcomes — highlights our dedication to innovative design processes that challenge conventional practices.
How do cultural and environmental sensitivities from your transdisciplinary experience reflect in your product design?
Our transdisciplinary approach is evident in projects like our permeable paving system, which addresses urban challenges such as extreme weather and water management. Comprising three stones, it serves as both a practical solution and a creative tool for landscape architects. This project emphasizes transitions from green to paved areas, resonating deeply with our audience and becoming our most liked Instagram post. The system’s success underscores our ability to blend practicality with creativity, reinforcing our commitment to environmental sustainability and innovative design. It demonstrates how we use design to connect different spaces while addressing ecological concerns, providing versatile, aesthetically pleasing solutions.
Photo © Thomas Pagani
