21 April 2026
A conversation with Jean-Marie Massaud, the designer of Aom collection.
What’s the inspiration behind your collection?
Balancing new uses with impact.
The collection was born from the desire to equally address the paradoxical ambitions of welcoming, soft comfort, expansive flexibility of use, and a radical approach to sustainability.
We have created an adaptive system for modern spaces that feels like home—both indoors and out—powered by a new, environmentally-conscious production process. Ultimately, the aim of Aom is to reconnect us with spaces designed for genuine, restorative relaxation.
How would you describe your collection in a few words?
At the heart of this system lies a radical approach to the design process, defined by a new product architecture and a strictly curated Bill of Materials (BOM). Aom is engineered to minimize its ecological footprint through an optimized production process and the use of recycled and recyclable materials.
It is designed to bridge the gap between the rigorous demands of the contract world and the human need for genuine, restorative relaxation. This approach reflects a new way of living and working—an easy, flexible way to redefine how spaces are used.
What are the main qualities that shape this collection?
Its sustainability characteristics, along with its innovative engineering and product architecture, represent a novelty for sofas and comfort systems. The system moves away from conventional construction through:
• Ultra-Lightweight Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) Base: Providing structural integrity with minimal weight.
• Breathair® Open-Cell Foam: A recycled polyester foam technology that ensures superior comfort and optimal airflow, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
• Mechanical Assembly: A soft quilted cover holds the components together without a single staple or drop of glue, enabling easy maintenance and complete disassembly
This unique architecture makes Aom nearly 100% reclaimable, lightweight, and highly accessible.
Why do you think this collection fits well within Arper’s world?
Arper has long been defined by essential lines and refined design—products that are as functional as they are responsible throughout their life cycle. Aom honors this core commitment while introducing a new dimension of soft, "easy-chic" comfort to Arper’s historically precise aesthetic and the contract world.
In which kinds of spaces or behaviours do you imagine this collection having the most impact?
Whether in a smart office lounge, an innovative workspace, a hospitality terrace, or a private home, Aom speaks to a generation that values comfort, adaptability, and environmental responsibility over status. In other words, it is designed for spaces that prioritize ease and authenticity over rigid statements.