Arper at Stockholm Furniture Fair 2019

At this year’s edition of Stockholm Furniture Fair, which just wrapped up last weekend, Arper’s focus was on office furniture designs and how they play part in changing today’s contemporary workplace. New launches by Lievore Atherr — Cila Go, Planest and more — were showcased alongside some of the company’s iconic products. The booth design was brought by Barcelona-based Studio MAIO and styled by Italian interior designer Favaloro. A minimal curved wall acted as a theatrical backdrop to bring the focal point to the foreground displays. The deconstructed layout of the booth reinforced the products’ ability to organize and set boundaries in a compact space, which reflects many of today’s work environments and beyond.

Please see more details below in the company’s pre-show press release:

Arper presents both new products and iconic collections at the Stockholm Furniture Fair 2019

At the 2019 edition of the Stockholm Furniture Fair, held in Stockholm from 5th February to 9th February, the Italian design brand Arper aims to interpret current trends in working models, paying particular attention to their constant evolution. A selection from the company’s collection, including both design iconic and innovative products, will be on display at stand A13:20. The new products showcased are the work of design duo Lievore Altherr.

The new pieces include Paravan, the modular partition system, the Cila Go multifunctional chair and the elegant stackable chair Stacy. The ergonomic office chair Planesit and an updated version of the Cila chair will also be on display. The previously launched Kiik and Pix Cubo, by Japanese designer Ichiro Iwasaki, will also be present at the exhibition.

In response to the rapidly changing nature of our working requirements, Arper has developed the concept of lifelong learning: in order to keep up with continual technological and scientific changes, the world of work must in turn update itself continuously. Arper reflects this dynamism in the design of its products.

An example of such need is that of delimiting larger spaces. The Paravan collection is a modular language of panels that can be combined to create new expressions to delineate space. The award-winning design studio Lievore Altherr has focused a lot on the use of colours and structures in this new collection. Paravan is sculptural in form and architectural in execution, both articulating and creating space. Like parentheses to enclose a conversation, Paravan creates intimacy in open areas with sound absorbing panels to support focus, concentration and collaboration.

The updated model Cila Go is a multifunctional chair that offers expanded possibilites for seating and includes a stool, a chair and an armchair designed for learning and training contexts and contract uses. Cila Go also offers storage options for books, briefcases or backpacks, tablets, computers and supplies. A classic cape is the inspiration behind Cila’s form. Design duo Lievore Alther points to how the cape has always been a symbol of knowledge, but at the same time can be considered as a shield. The light shape easily melts into the environment. Wheels on the base create ease in forming flexible seating configurations in classrooms – from bigger group arrangements in rows or circles, small group pod learning or individual space.

”In the developing Cila Go, we looked at the work of FĂ©lix Candelas, who worked with structures based in the use of the hyperbolic paraboloid to create undulating buildings offering a protective arc. Protection and shelter also foster concentration and trust – both needed for learning and in life in general” says designer Alberto Lievore.

The stylish Stacy chair is lightweight and can be trolley stacked up to 40 chairs for ease of transport in provisional and impromptu seating environments like universities, conference rooms, auditoriums, churches or public spaces.

The modular collection Kiik consists of seating, tables, ottomans and consoles in graphic forms – with a myriad of different configuration possibilities – that create moments for working, gathering or relaxation. Kiik has been created to address the needs of waiting rooms, university lounges, workspaces, meeting areas and mixed-use spaces. Its modular nature and material finish specification options make Kiik a complementary addition to any context.

Kiik is designed by designer Ichiro Iwasaki, who also designed the playful ottoman Pix Cubo. Pix Cubo is available in all colors of the rainbow and, like building blocks, it can be arranged in endless compositions for home or contract.

Arper stand at the Stockholm Furniture Fair is 118 square metres in size and was designed by Barcelona-based architectural office MAIO. Italian stylist Favaloro is responsible for the booth design.

Architecture firm MAIO says: “The project designed for Stockholm booth answers to the question of organizing a compact space, achiving a free plan distribution and allowing Arper brand to be recognized from afar. It consist of a simple architectural gesture, a curved wall that acts as a theatrical background that articulates the space of the exhibited furniture”.

Visit Arper at the Stockholm Furniture Fair on stand A13:20. 5–8 February, 9.00am-6pm; 9 February, 10am-5pm

About Arper

Arper is an Italian furniture maker, established in 1989 and headquartered at its manufacturing plant in Treviso. From the outset, Arper recognized the need for light and airy design combined with technical perfection – resulting in innovative, modern and classic products for both private and public settings. The end of the 1990s marked a milestone in the company’s development, as Arper began collaborating with the Spanish design studio Lievore Altherr Molina (Llievore Alther as of April 2016). This cooperation led to the creation of some of Arper’s most iconic products, including the Catifa chair collection, Kinesit, Saya, Colina, Duna 02 and Leaf chairs, Zinta and Loop sofas, and Yop and Wim tables. Arper has also collaborated with other renowned designers such as Antti Kotilainen, Ichiro Iwasaki, Simon Pengelly and Metrica. Arper is committed to producing modern and innovative design with soft, natural lines. Arper’s reputation has climbed rapidly in furniture design circles and the company has received a number of prestigious awards for its designs.

About MAIO

MAIO is a Barcelona-based architecture firm specializing in spatial systems founded by Maria Charneco, Alfredo LĂ©rida, Guillermo LĂłpez, and Anna Puigjaner. Their studio works across a wide range of disciplines, from interior and exhibition design to urban planning. In recent years MAIO has participated in the 2015 Chicago Architecture Biennial and the 2014 Venice Biennale, and their work has been shown at the Art Institute of Chicago and MoMA, among other museums and galleries.

About Lievore Altherr

Lievore Altherr – Alberto Lievore (Buenos Aires, 1948) and Jeannette Altherr (Heidelberg, 1965)

– begins in 2016 after a 25 year trajectory as Lievore Altherr Molina. The Barcelona-based studio specializes in product design & development, strategic consulting, creative direction, art direction, and architecture for internationally recognized design companies. Lievore Altherr develops projects using an established strategy: a creative concept integrating product design and its communication. This holistic approach, humanist character, and the search for the essential in their projects – combined with a sensibility that transmits harmony and balance – characterize the designs of Lievore Altherr.

About Ichiro Iwasaki

After early work for the Sony Design Center and a brief stint in Milan, Ichiro Iwasaki established his studio in Tokyo in 1995. His works range from Tableware, Wristwatch, Lighting, Furniture to electronic devices such as Digital Cameras and Mobile phones. He has been awarded a number of international design awards, including Japan’s Good Design Award gold, iF Design Award Gold, Red Dot Best of the Best and German Design Award Silver. In addition to his work with the studio, Iwasaki is a Lecturer at Tokyo University of the Arts and Tama Art University.