STYLEPARK ARPER
Dynamic Design

Arper recently presented its new collections at the Salone del Mobile in Milan, using flowing fabrics to create different spaces to showcase the new additions to its portfolio. All new collections offer different interpretations of the concept, “The Project of Living”, presented by the company at the Fair. A walk through the airy presentation by Studio MAIO, Jeannette Altherr and Leandro Favaloro quickly revealed what demands are currently being made from furniture design: What is called for are flexible, sustainable products in subtle colors that can be put to a variety of uses.

For example, the sofa “Shaal” by Doshi Levien comprises six core modules that can be combined to create angular, linear configurations. And that configuration can be adapted to suit the space and intended use. The plush cushioning rests on a sturdy seat shell ensuring comfort. Moreover, the backrest design allows for the sofa to be positioned anywhere in a room. Both for the covers of the upholstered shell and the cushioning itself Arper offers numerous variations including leather and custom-made textile covers. Another advantage is that the covers can be easily replaced, if required. Finally, Nipa Doshi and Jonathan Levien contrast the rounded, plush cushions with small feet set back from the front of the sofa so that “Shaal” really does seem to float a few centimeters above the ground. "We definitely loved the challenge to play with the contrast between the sharp and crisp identity of Arper and the need for a soft, comfortable piece. We achieved this by creating a wrap around shell that provides the defined outline inside which the soft welcoming cushions are embedded to provide comfort", says Nipa Doshi.

Another object with an airy design is the rectangular table "Aeeri" by architect and designer Peter Kunz. His creation is fashioned from wafer-thin sheet steel measuring just four millimeter. Customers are given ample scope regarding the design of the frame: there are metal legs in two different heights, as well as a version made of FSC-certified European oak wood, varnished in black or left in its natural coloring. Moreover, a monochrome coloring is also possible as the metal legs – like the table top – can be given a black, white or red varnish. The edges of the table offer a particularly pleasant feel, as they are beveled backwards in the manner of the “Swiss edge” while the top tapers downwards.

At the latest, when you put a glass down on “Aeeri” you appreciate that Peter Kunz has a special sense for details - the sound is pleasantly muffled as opposed to the usual jarring noise. When designing his table Peter Kunz also gave some thought to the logistics: the five components that comprise the table can be shipped flat-packed. Like the “Shaal” sofa, the “Aeeri” table is designed to be sustainable from the ground up - all components can be easily separated from each other and recycled. "Using minimal and recyclable materials really shaped our thinking. With the monocoque construction, we were able to create a stable form while reducing the amount of raw material necessary. Aeeri also comes with a wooden leg option made from sustainably harvested European oak that can separate from the steel so it’s very easy to recycle the metal. The table is designed to be flat-packed to reduce the environmental impact of its transportation. Because it’s so lightweight and has a small shipping footprint, it consumes fewer resources", says Kunz.

Arper has presented two collections of low tables: “Ghia” by Studio Altherr Désile Park and “Oell” by Jean-Marie Massaud. “Ghia” offers users a whole range of tabletops and frames that can be flexibly combined with each other - whether it is a frame consisting of three round legs or a central column, whether round or oval tabletops, in oak veneer, in different colors or in terrazzo. “This collection is all about balance. Our idea was that the table should bridge the gap between organic lounge furniture and other pieces that are more formal or inspired by an industrial language. To achieve that we worked very carefully on the balance between geometric and organic elements,” says Jeannette Altherr.

“Oell” by Jean-Marie Massaud also has a sculptural design: The round top rests on an asymmetrical, slender column made of metal. The table stands firm thanks to the round base into which the column merges. “Oell" can be flexibly adapted with a range of designs: two heights, two table tops of different sizes and different finishes such as dark gray and white or warm ivory and rust tones offer an ample scope. Moreover, the top can be swiveled in any direction it is needed. The tops not only come in MDF versions but are also available in light or dark porcelain stoneware. "'Oell' is a very practical product developed around different kinds of situations. The first intent of the table is to comfortably allow someone to work from a lounge chair, but it can also bring a teacup or a cocktail within reach, or it could be a coffee table arching over the sofa. The aspiration was to develop a design that’s very simple but at the same time suitable for many different settings; some- thing that’s a very quiet object, yet not invisible. 'Oell' is a humble design, but it’s quite flexible and smart", says Massaud.

Arper’s new products are also joined by a new edition of the “Juno” chair designed by James Irvine in 2012: “Juno 02” offers a contemporary take on the classic plastic chair, which is now made of 70 percent recycled polypropylene and comes in six new colors. Also, Juno 02’s mold was reconfigured, so that the chair retains its sleek silhouette and strength but requires less material to produce. Stackable, suitable for outdoor use and can come with seat cushions that are fitted without glue, “Juno 02” delivers an elegant look in a chair designed in every way to make life a little easier. “It is the designer's responsibility to create a product that can last for a long time. This is why, in addition to developing new products, it is important to improve what you have already designed,” says Marialaura Rossiello Irvine.

Multifunctional and flexible in use, clever in construction, sustainable in material, inspiring in design – with the new products by Studio Altherr Désile Park, Jean-Marie Massaud, Doshi Leven, Peter Kunz and Studio Irvine, Arper offers many exciting possibilities to fulfil the flowing boundaries between living and working – as well in the contract as in the living sector. (am)