Massaud's Airberg collection for Offecct comprises a long sofa and a chunky chair, both with an asymmetrical backrest.

"Airberg consists of a structural case that gives the impression of being filled with a vacuum, but is in reality filled with a flexible padding material," explained Offecct.

The collection, currently still in prototype form, is one of the first results from the new Offecct Lab research and development initiative.

The design was presented at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan alongside UNStudio's curvy red seating for Offecct – see all news and products from Milan 2013.

Massaud recently collaborated with auto maker Toyota to create an "anti-crisis" concept car with plastic bodywork and a bamboo bonnet – see all design by Jean-Marie Massaud.

Other Offecct furniture we've published recently 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 Tíscar – see all design by Offecct.

Here's some more information from Offecct:

Airberg by Jean-Marie Massaud is an innovative piece of furniture that breaks with conventions.

Airberg is one of the first results to come out of the work at Offecct Lab, a strategic initiative designed to concentrate Offecct's efforts in the development of new solutions and new products. Airberg is not ready for production yet, but should be seen as a result of an ongoing R&D process where Offecct and Jean-Marie Massaud dared to develop a piece of seating furniture for the meeting places of the future.

The inspiration behind the form of Airberg is a combination of a comfortable, inviting piece of seating furniture and an iceberg filled with vacuum. The furniture's abstract form is light in its expression and Airberg is contemporary both in its design and in the technique used.

"Offecct is prominent in offering the market a strong and varied product selection. This means that with Airberg I could take a step further and break with conventions and question existing norms of what a piece of seating furniture usually looks like," says Jean-Marie Massaud.

Airberg consists of a structural case which gives the impression of being filled with a vacuum, but is in reality filled with a flexible padding material. The unique craftsmanship used in the production of Airberg makes it possible to create a deconstructed piece of furniture that is more defined in its asymmetry. Jean-Marie Massaud has created a piece of furniture that is comfortable, sustainable and competent, making it highly contemporary.

"Offecct has always worked continuously with product development and lately we have intensified our efforts to taking yet another step in creating innovative and challenging products for the international market," says Kurt Tingdal, CEO, Offecct.

"With Airberg, Offecct, together with Jean-Marie Massaud, take a great leap in that direction resulting in a unique piece of furniture that has to be experienced," Kurt Tingdal concludes.

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for Offecct appeared first on Dezeen.

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 Tíscar – 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.

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for Offecct appeared first on Dezeen.

Inspired by the block colours and simple shapes found in the work of American minimalist artist Ellsworth Kelly, Claesson Koivisto Rune has upholstered the pair of padded Kelly chairs in vivid tones.

The rounded seat and back of the first chair appear to be formed from one section that is pinched at the place where they join.

A giant square back with rounded corners and a rectangular seat of the same width make up the larger chair.

Designed for Italian furniture brand Tacchini, both models have thin metal legs and bracing that look like they rest lightly against each other.

The legs of the bigger chair are stabilised with two crossed rods at the back, while the smaller seat has a single bar that spans beneath the seat to join the secondary struts on each side.

Tacchini is showing the furniture at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile, stand C25 hall 16, until Sunday.

The Swedish designers are also presenting a kit-of-parts for a prefabricated Scandinavian house in Milan this week.

See more design by Claesson Koivisto Rune »
See all our coverage of Milan 2013 »
See our Milan 2013 map »

Claesson Koivisto Rune sent us the text below:

Kelly seating family

Inspiration does not follow straight lines. Only in hindsight does it appear logical. But one thing is true: Inspiration is inspirational.

One inspired artist is American Ellsworth Kelly. And that inspired us.

But it takes more to create inspired product design than an inspired Swedish designer. It takes two to play. This crazy, weird, childish, beautiful, wonderful play-doh-graphic universe is just the kind of inspiration that you can only develop into serious furniture together with an inspired manufacturer. And we’re so happy we’ve got Tacchini, the Italian friend willing to play.

It’s not art, it’s just design. But that’s what we do. With joy. Enjoy.

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for Tacchini appeared first on Dezeen.

Milan 2013: industrial designer Konstantin Grcic is showing angular wooden stools and tables for Italian brand Mattiazzi at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile.

Grcic's stools and side tables are held up by an angled support that is stabilised by two more legs jutting out on either side, with all three tapering towards the ground. Two wings form the seats of the stools, while the slightly taller tables are topped with disks.

Both items have been developed to follow the design of Grcic's Medici chair, which was first released last year and has been shortlisted for the Design Museum's 2013 Design of the Year prize. The wooden pieces are painted in red or yellow, or stained dark brown to enhance the grain.

Along with the Medici collection, Mattiazzi is debuting seats inspired by camping furniture by Jasper Morrison and stools with T-shaped backs by Industrial Facility at their stand at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile - E23, Hall 20. Grcic will also be exhibiting his bench system based on Mies van der Rohe's Barcelona chair at the trade fair.

See all our stories about design by Konstantin Grcic »
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for Mattiazzi appeared first on Dezeen.

Hendrick's Collection by Tjep. comprises a dining table, desk, chair and standing lamp made from oak and white lacquered ash.

The chair legs are fixed to wooden bases that flick up at the back like ice skates and allow the sitter to rock backwards.

The collection is named after seventeenth century Dutch artist Hendrick Avercamp, who was famous for his paintings of winter scenes and ice skaters.

Tjep.will also launch a standalone dining booth inspired by the compartments found on luxurious old trains like the Orient Express at the show.

All the products are available through the studio's website and will be presented at Ventura Lambrate in Milan from 9 to 14 April – see more news and products from Milan 2013.

The studio's other work includes a departure lounge with a slide in Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport and a chair with one side hacked down to a skeletal form – see all design by Tjep.

Here's some more information from the designers:

Countering globalised uniformity, Tjep. design for those who seek to rediscover individualism. Presented at the fair will be the new timeless furniture range, Hendrick’s Collection, inspired by one man’s dedication and nostalgic reflection on Dutch yesteryear; the standalone Il Treno, bringing the romance of a classic dining carriage into your home; Isolée, the modern way to escape to the country; the exclusive launch of body graffiti, a partnership with one of the world’s most secretive street artists, and the unveiling of the ultimate expression of individuality with furniture designed from your own DNA, developed together with design label Dutch DNA.

Hendrick's Collection

Hendrick's Collection is a contemporary furniture range inspired by the trappings of bygone days and pays homage to the 17th century paintings of Hendrick Avercamp, an artist who devoted his life entirely to the portrayal of Dutch winter scenes. Nostalgia and modern aesthetics, a juxtaposition of old and new, brought together in solidly handcrafted Ash or Oak wood and finished to perfection. Selected items from the collection will be on display.

Location: Plusdesign gallery, Via Ventura 6, 20134 Milan
Opening times:
Tue–Sat 10:00–20:00
Sun 10:00–18:00

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by Tjep. appeared first on Dezeen.