Dezeen Magazine

Coquille Sofa by Markus Johansson resembles the curved form of a shell

Milan 2014: this sofa by Swedish designer Markus Johansson echoes the curves and ripples of a shell and will launch at this year's Salone Satellite in Milan (+ slideshow).

Coquille sofa by Markus Johansson

Markus Johansson named the Coquille Sofa after the French word for "shell", which is often associated with a scallop shape.

Coquille sofa by Markus Johansson

"I toyed with inspiration found among mussels and shells, and I've been working with different levels of softness and hardness to render Coquille as comfortable as possible," he explained.

Coquille sofa by Markus Johansson

The designer attached curved pieces of polyether foam to the wooden frame to make the ribs around the base and back.

Coquille sofa by Markus Johansson

Layers of soft padding were added on top, creating gently rippled contours like the exterior of a shell.

Coquille sofa by Markus Johansson

The sofa is upholstered in a light grey fabric and patterned by the shadows that fall across the surface of the undulating form.

It will be displayed at Salone Satellite, part of the Salone Internazionale del Mobile taking place next week from 8 to 13 April.

Coquille sofa by Markus Johansson
Sketches of shells during the design process