Atelier Oï Sofas

The works, installations and room concepts created by atelier oï never cease to amaze. The unusual designs provide a sense of the key areas that the design col- lective has worked on over several decades: materials, form and light. The collective’s way of working resembles that of a top- class chef, who uses experimental methods with exactly the right touch. The designers succeeded in developing their very own de- sign language, which is nourished by a love of authentic materials and artisan skills. When it came to developing the DS-808 for de Sede, this sensitive approach – with its focus on fully understanding the material – proved to be extremely valuable. While working with leather in a practical way, the designers found a way to push the boundaries of the material in a playful manner – and to clearly place the unmis- takable hallmarks of classic leather design in the here and now. The leather is laid over the structure like a throw. The end of each square pouffe forms a dynamic wave, which makes the heavy material appear fluid and light. The convex and concave lines allow in- finite, sinuous seating arrangements to be created in a modular way – side tables, too, are at home within the softly undulating structure. With or without backrests, in a group or as a solo performer, the DS-808 and...