patricia urquiola reinterprets traditional arabic majlis with modular sofa ‘insula’ for kettal

available in two sizes, kettal's insula allows various personalized configurations with a roll backrest that gives the sofa its horizontal orientation.

eirini ilia May 1, 2024 3 min

kettal expands with patricia urquiola’s insula sofa

With a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional Arabic majlis seating, Patricia Urquiola‘s Insula expands Kettal‘s furniture collections. Majlis are known as places of comfort where community members gathered to discuss events and local matters, receive and entertain guests and friends, so with this mind, the Spanish designer updated it to a modular sofa that embodies a blend of modern aesthetics and cultural heritage. Launched during Milan Design Week 2024, Insula is available in two sizes, allowing for various arrangements indoors or out.

patricia urquiola reinterprets traditional arabic majlis with modular sofa 'insula' for kettal - 1 — the Insula modular sofa for Kettal, is Patricia Urquiola’s updated take on the traditional seating found in Arabic majlis

all images courtesy of Kettal

the roll backrest is insula’s highlight

At its core, the Insula sofa presents a low-profile, modular design characterized by smooth curves and a distinctive roll backrest. This feature not only serves as a visual focal point but also emphasizes a horizontal orientation, enhancing the sofa’s architectural appeal. With meticulously balanced proportions, Patricia Urquiola allows it to be integrated into various environments, offering versatility in both form and function – a quality that highlights the Spanish furniture company‘s design ethos.

patricia urquiola reinterprets traditional arabic majlis with modular sofa 'insula' for kettal - 2 — Insula takes the form of a low, rational modular sofa in smooth shapes with a roll backrest

insula’s configurations allow it to be integrated into any space

Much like its traditional counterpart, the Insula sofa is designed for social interaction. Its modular configurations cater to diverse types of gatherings, whether in indoor or outdoor settings. From corporate reception areas that foster collaborative workspaces to residential settings where relaxation and leisure prevail, Kettal’s Insula adapts effortlessly to different social contexts.

patricia urquiola reinterprets traditional arabic majlis with modular sofa 'insula' for kettal - 3 — the roll backrest serves as the design focal point which accentuates the horizontal orientation, enhancing the sofa’s architectural appeal

Modular in design, the sofa consists of an orthogonal aluminium base, with very sleek lines that complement its soft, inviting seat cushions. Available in two sizes, the seating options allow for the use of different types of backrest configurations, including individual, double, and angular arrangements, ensuring personalized comfort and style.

patricia urquiola reinterprets traditional arabic majlis with modular sofa 'insula' for kettal - 4 — its many configurations mean it can be adapted to all types of social gatherings, both indoors and outdoors

patricia urquiola reinterprets traditional arabic majlis with modular sofa 'insula' for kettal - 5 — from an office reception area to the home, Insula can be integrated anywhere

patricia urquiola reinterprets traditional arabic majlis with modular sofa 'insula' for kettal - 6 — the modular seating embodies a blend of modern aesthetics and cultural heritage

kettal-patricia-urquiola-insula-modular-sofa-designboom-fullwidth — the seats come in two sizes, allowing for the use of different types of backrest including individual, double, angular and more

patricia urquiola reinterprets traditional arabic majlis with modular sofa 'insula' for kettal - 7 — modular in design, it consists of an orthogonal aluminium base, with very smooth lines with the softest most comfortable seat cushion

patricia urquiola reinterprets traditional arabic majlis with modular sofa 'insula' for kettal - 8 — in function, like the original majlis, the Insula sofa’s main purpose is for socializing

patricia urquiola reinterprets traditional arabic majlis with modular sofa 'insula' for kettal - 9 — the sofa combines carefully balanced proportions as an architectural element that can be subtly integrated

kettal-patricia-urquiola-insula-modular-sofa-designboom-02-fullwidth — the sofa’s versatility in both form and function highlights Kettal’s design ethos

project info:

name: Insula Sofa

company: Kettal | @kettal

designer: Patricia Urquiola| @patricia_urquiola