Milan 2013: these seats with curvy backrests by Dutch architects UNStudio are on show at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile this week.
Above: Studio Twin
Top: Studio Twin Beam
UNStudio's collection for Swedish brand Offecct includes Studio Easy Chair, a single seat with a wing on its left or right side, Studio Twin Beam, a pair of seats linked by a small table, and Studio Twin, which has a solid base that mirrors the backrest.
"The Studio Twin design not only encourages communication by enabling the sitters to face each other whilst sitting side-by-side, but is also designed to spatially introduce two visual orientations to the locations in which it is used," said UNStudio head Ben van Berkel.
Above: Studio Easy Chair
The seats have a laminated wood frame and are upholstered in fabric or leather, while the bases are available in black, white or silver lacquer.
UNStudio has just announced its relaunch in June as an "open-source architecture studio" inspired by technology start-ups. The news was originally revealed by van Berkel in March in an interview with Dezeen at the launch of Canaletto, a residential tower designed by the firm for east London. See all architecture by UNStudio.
Above: Studio Easy Chair with Studio Twin Beam
Other Offecct furniture we've published includes a chair by Japanese studio Nendo that flicks out like a flowing cape and a sofa with a winged backrest by Spanish designer Carlos TÃscar – see all design by Offecct.
Elsewhere in the Salone Internazionale del Mobile, Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby unveiled chunky sofas for Knoll and Ron Arad introduced a workstation that uses pulses of electricity to change colour.
See all news and products from Milan 2013 or use our interactive map to discover the highlights of the week's exhibitions, parties and talks.
Here's some more information from Offecct:
Offecct initiates cooperation with UNStudio and presents the series Studio, a system of seating furniture that can be adapted to any need or environment. The series will be included in Offecct's business Travel & Navigation together with many products suitable for different kinds of waiting areas, terminals, cruise ships and airports etc.
The Studio series consists of a number of different versions: Studio Twin, Studio Twin Beam and Studio Easy Chair Right/Left. The Studio Twin version creates a seating element for communication and exchange, whereas the Studio Easy chair Right/Left offer possibilities for the user to choose between open and private arrangements. The Studio Twin Beam creates opportunities for use in public spaces and for more playful organisations in public settings.
The collection is ideal in many varied settings, such as airport waiting areas, lobbies, offices and libraries.
The concept for the Studio series was to create a light, comfortable and easily rearranged collection of seating elements which incorporate a variety of spatial gestures with specific emphasis on versatility in communication, says Ben van Berkel, co-founder and architect at UNStudio.
The varied designs within the series cater for the needs and wishes of the individual in both public and private spaces. The Studio Twin not only encourages communication by enabling the possibility to face each other whilst sitting side-by-side, but is also designed to spatially introduce two visual orientations to the locations in which it is used, van Berkel continues.
The Studio Easy Chair Right/Left are highly versatile, allowing the user to choose their level of connectivity to both the people and the space around them, he concludes.
In accordance with Offecct’s high demands on sustainability, effort has been put into choice of materials, energy, transportation and logistics to assure a product that has a minimal impact on nature.
Frame in laminated wood. Fully upholstered in fabric or leather. Standard leather Elmo Soft, piquet on the inside and standard on the outside Sledge base in black, white or silver lacquer, option in RAL Flexicolours.