The Project of Living

11 April 2023
The Project of Living

How do we want to live? For Arper, “the project of living,” the theme of the company’s communication for 2022, becomes a strategic approach that translates into its first product developments, such as the Ralik sofa designed by Ichiro Iwasaki. A project that conveys the orientation towards solutions that facilitate relational contexts while responding to the needs and expectations of a constantly evolving society. “The project of living” is a vision that underlines changing viewpoints: starting from dialogue with the people who will experience the product in their lives. In pursuit of a beauty that is made of informal comfort and depth of human relationships.

The Aston chair in the Taslimi residence, a project by Fleetwood Fernandez Architects.The Aston chair in the Taslimi residence, a project by Fleetwood Fernandez Architects.
The Aston chair in the Taslimi residence, a project by Fleetwood Fernandez Architects.

The project of living: how do we want to live?

“The project of living” is an idea, a design vision aimed at creating spaces that adapt to a rapidly evolving society, with its increasing need to get beyond rigid definitions and habits. A fluid, intergenerational society in a state of continuous change. The “project of living” concept focuses on furnishings that stem from people’s needs, in order to answer a fundamental question: “how do we want to live?” Arper launched this focus of communication at Salone del Mobile 2022, with the idea of transforming it into a strategic approach for the company. As Roberto Monti, CEO of Arper, explains: “the recent shift towards situations of coexistence and work in shared environments point to the need for greater fluidity. The home becomes a focal point for research. Today, more than ever, the design of spaces implies starting from activities, to construct not only rooms, but also contexts of relation. The formulation is based on human needs.” [For more on this topic, see: “How do we want to live?”] Therefore “the project of living” means greater openness, putting the people who live with products – and their inspirations – at the center of the process.

 

[Also see: “The project of living. The designers’ voice”]

@ Alberto Sinigaglia
@ Alberto Sinigaglia

The project of living. From an idea to a strategic approach

During the course of 2022 Arper has transformed “The project of living” from an idea, a design vision, into a strategic approach for the company, attempting to interpret this wide-ranging, complex concept not only from a specific angle – that of beauty in everyday life – but also through values like responsibility towards people and the planet, and the openness to new perspectives and diversities. While remaining a b2b company, Arper interprets its products from the standpoint of the end user, with essential, inclusive and versatile design “problem solving,” having the “objective of creating solutions that give form to the project of living, in a bold, independent approach involving courageous steps forward,” says Roberto Monti. “Listening to needs, including very different ones, even implies opening to different product types with respect to our core business. While preserving a product identity driven by modular, versatile and linear, colorful and contemporary design. Through warm, vivacious furnishings, based on 'casual' elegance and soft lines, in pursuit of wellbeing generated by sensations in the home. In a slogan, we want life to be beautiful! Where by beauty we do not only mean an aesthetic characteristic, but also the essence of the relationships and experiences in the context of everyday living. We want to send a message of vitality, energy and optimism through our products, their colors and the sense of wellness and enjoyment they bring.”

Ralik Collection, design by Ichiro Iwasaki, 2023Ralik Collection, design by Ichiro Iwasaki, 2023
Ralik Collection, design by Ichiro Iwasaki, 2023

The Ralik sofa designed by Ichiro Iwasaki

The Ralik modular system can be utilized as a single unit or in combinations, to create solutions that adapt to various contexts. The system offers easy configuration thanks to the rapid assembly system, requiring no tools. The distinctive feature of Ralik is the L-shaped leg in recycled polypropylene, along with the wide range of colors that can be selected for the legs and the coverings, permitting full freedom of personalization, in elegant or casual compositions. The system also includes a family of tables for work or relaxation, and soft cushions that can be combined with the benches to ensure comfort in the larger configurations. The seats and tables come with recharge ports for truly versatile use: from the home to the office to public spaces. In keeping with Arper’s commitment to reduction of environmental impact, the Ralik line can be disassembled, separating its parts; the covers can be removed, and are made with sustainable materials for easy maintenance and effective recycling.