The idea of an island
‘We see the sofa as a connection between people and the space in which they live and work. ‘Shaal’ is therefore a way of including people in a space," says Jonathan Levien. The collection is also a comfortable modular piece of furniture that offers many configurations: For the outer structure, a panel of multilayer wood is used, which is covered with a material of choice, be it fabric, leather, coated fabric or a customised finish. The cover can be customised to match or contrast with the inner cushions. As it is possible to choose foams with different densities, the softness and support can also be defined on an individual basis.
The selection has continued to grow in recent years: "We have expanded the “Shaal” collection with a chaise lounge, a lounger and a stool. It was about creating a place to relax, where you can put your feet up, read or just lie back and relax," says Nipa Doshi. And Jonathan Levien adds: "Arper has a very clear, defined and precise visual language and we wanted to combine this aspect with the softness required for a comfortable seating collection." Thanks to the supportive shell with two runners, the seat height is comfortable and the voluminous upholstery appears light and airy. Gently framed by the supportive shell and the rounded cushions, it is a wonderful place to relax. At the same time, the cosy design is formal enough to be chosen for a hotel lobby or office space.
In their creation, DoshiLevien follows an approach that considers sustainability from the outset: the upholstery and outer panelling are interchangeable and all components can be dismantled for reuse or recycling. The formal language of the furniture and the extensive selection of combinations with end and corner modules are also ideal for knowing that the collection will be by your side for a lifetime. ‘As far as the ‘Shaal’ collection is concerned, we worked in a region of Italy that combines a great deal of craftsmanship and industrial expertise. We see the sofa as a link between people and the space in which they live and work. The sofa is usually the central element in the room, it is the object around which people come together. And I think for that reason it contributes a lot to beautiful interactions between people,’ says Nipa Doshi.
