Arper reveals recyclable chairs and a post-pandemic catalogue in video for VDF

Armin Broger, CEO of Arper, discusses the Italian furniture brand's two new chair designs and online catalogue in this captioned video produced for the brand as part of VDF.

Arper, which was founded in 1989 by the Feltrin family, revealed its latest designs for two modular chair systems made from recycled materials.

The first design, called Adell, was created in collaboration with Barcelona-based design consultancy Lievore + Altherr Désile Park and features customisable pebble-shaped chairs made of 80% recycled plastic.

The textured plastic shell that forms the body of the chair is available in a range of colours and can be fitted with either wooden or metal legs depending on the preference of the customer.

The seating can also be used in both an indoor or outdoor context, and can either be left in its original plastic finish or fully or partially upholstered in a variety of different fabrics.

"Fundamentally, it's a system that is customisable to all of the different segments and all the different expressions that people that specify our products are used to," Arper explained in the video, which was produced remotely by Dezeen.

The second collection, called Aston Club, is the continuation of a partnership with French architect Jean-Marie Massaud.

It features an adaptable winged chair and matching separate footrest that are both made of post-industrial waste plastic and covered in fabric by premium Danish textile brand Kvadrat.

Both pieces in the suite sit on top of an aluminium base that comes in a polished or painted finish.

The products are fabricated without the use of glue, which allows each piece to be fully deconstructed for refurbishment or recycling at the end of its lifetime, thereby making the furniture more sustainable.

As with many Arper products, both Adell and Aston Club were designed for flexibility in an ever-changing world.

To help customers envisage Arper products in a variety of spaces, the company has released a portfolio of renderings.

Called Back to Our Spaces, the online catalogue contains a series of public spaces, such as airports and offices, with Arper products superimposed on to them in a range of possible layouts.

According to Broger, the catalogue could demonstrate how to use the furniture in social-distancing situations following the lifting of coronavirus lockdowns around the world.

"The current situation really requires flexibility," said Broger, who points to a number of other Arper products that could be deployed post-lockdown.

"[In the catalogue] you will see us offering situations that can create separation in offices with our Paravan range," he said.

Arper's Kiik bench "can be configured to create proximity for social distancing," he added.

This video was produced as part of a collaboration between Virtual Design Festival and Arper. Photography is by Salva Lopez.

About Virtual Design Festival

Virtual Design Festival runs from 15 April to 10 July 2020. It brings the architecture and design world together to celebrate the culture and commerce of our industry, and explore how it can adapt and respond to extraordinary circumstances.

To find out what's coming up at VDF, check out the schedule. For more information or to join the mailing list, email vdf@dezeen.com.

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