Milan 2015: French designer Matali Crasset has debuted a sofa made from a system of individual modules that can be carried like suitcases (+ slideshow).
Launching at the Salone del Mobile this week, the Self-made Seat was designed for Italian furniture company Campeggi.
The sofa splits into individual elements that can be used independently to create a stack of pouffes, an armchair or a series of seats.
"The Self-made seat roots from a refusal of seeing sofas monopolise the living space in our homes," said Crasset.
"This arrangement can be changed around depending on the activities, the number of people and the time of day. It really encourages you to rearrange your space and be comfortable within."
The modules come in two different sizes to create the sofa, which has a silhouette based on a design that first debuted in 1998. Larger pieces form the back and seats while smaller ones are used as armrests.
From a distance, the foam seating modules appear to have been wrapped in brown paper, secured with strips of orange fabric.
They are actually covered in neutral-coloured upholstery fabric with visible stitching, and are light enough to be moved around like a suitcase using the orange polypropylene straps, which form a handle on the curved ends.
"The square side allows to append the modules together whereas the rounded parts bring on the appeasing-side for cosying up with our body, knee, or neck curves," explained Crasset.
"The visible stitching emphasises the curves, giving each pouf a simple finish. The outlining colour of the straps branches out on the cushions like the veins of a leaf."
In 2013, Crasset created a sofa with a similar modular concept for Campeggi. Called Concentré de Vie, this system consisted of two upholstered chairs and two pebble-like cushions, housed in a triangular base that doubled as a single bed.
The modules for the Self-made Seat have no frame or base to hold them together, so the backrests need to be propped against a wall for support.
"We often say we don't have enough room but we usually lack the tools to gain space, making the structure flourish depending on its activities, the number of people present and the time of day," said Crasset.
"It allows for more room for the kids to leave their toys everywhere, or to briefly enlarge the area to have lunch with friends."
The Self-made Seat is on show at the Salone del Mobile, pavilion 20, booth D 16, until 19 April.