claesson koivisto rune develop gate, a modular sofa system for OFFECCT

claesson koivisto rune develop gate, a modular sofa system for OFFECCT
all images courtesy of OFFECCT

on the occasion of the 2015 stockholm furniture fair, swedish architect and design studio claesson koivisto rune (CKR) unveil ‘gate’ — a modular sofa system. developed for OFFECCT, the seating arrangement features unusual proportions and is intended for public spaces. ‘imagine a sofa to spend a few minutes in while waiting for a friend, preparing for a meeting or getting ready to catch a flight’, says CKR. ‘a pit-stop while on the move, a place to recharge electric devices as well as weary feet.’

the ‘gate’ seating modules feature unusual volumetric proportions

the sofa’s seat pan has been designed to be noticeably thinner than the backrest — a thick cushioned volume with integrated electrical sockets for user convenience. the flat surface on the backrest creates an unconventional silhouette that functions as a useful space for placing your belongings such as your computer or tablet. the sofa system is built similar to elements used for construction that can be easily dis-assembled after use.

the sofa’s angular end pieces are all the same, making them easily adjustable to different lengths and sizes

‘we have worked in great detail with measures from a technical as well as from an emotional aspect. this is a sofa for public spaces, where one can sit back to back with a stranger without invading on anyone’s personal space,’ explains ola rune. ‘we have carefully assessed how gate can be built together in order to create smart solutions in any type of rooms. the design of gate will also generate interesting typologies based on how the sofa sections are used in sequence. it is basically a sofa that speaks the same language as architects do,’ adds eero koivisto.

profile detail of the contrasting volumetric proportions of the sofa’s design

detail of the electrical sockets which it make it convenient for charging mobile devices

 
concept sketches for ‘gate’

concept sketches for ‘gate’

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