Vitra Alcove Sofa by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec

French sibling design-duo, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec have been working together since 1999. The brothers have a true symbiotic relationship where each brings his own individuality and creativity to the design which in turn creates pieces that really speak to the consumer. For two of the youngest designers in the industry, the Bouroullec brothers have racked up quite an impressive list of accolades. They won the New Designer Awards of the International Furniture Fair of New York in 1999 and in 2003, they were elected designer of the year by Elle Decoration, Japan. In addition, the brothers' designs are part of permanent museum collections in New York, Paris, London, Lisbon and Rotterdam.

A sofa can go beyond being merely a piece of furniture and become a room of its own within a room – this was the idea that prompted Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec to design the Alcove Sofa. With its unusually soft seat and backrest upholstery, as well as the high, flexible side and back panels, Alcove Sofa creates the frame for such a comfy, safe and secure world, a place for relaxed withdrawal from the hustle and bustle of life: Two people can stretch out and sit opposite each other, leaning leisurely back against the side walls, and if required the sofa also provide sufficient space for a third person. Alcove Sofa combines the contrasting qualities of a comfortable secluded relaxation area with an open invitation to enter and sit down.

Designed by: Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, 2006

Features:

• Includes two large backrest cushions
• Available in Panamone Cream or Laser Red
• Chromed tubular steel base
• Metal frame with belt upholstery
• Side panels made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic
• Seat and backrest cushioning crafted of polyurethane foam and polyester wool

Specifications:

• Overall Dimensions: 37" H x 93.25" W 33.25" D

Design:

• Design is the process by which almost all objects in Vitra's surroundings are instilled with a specific design and function - from cars to paper clips, from clothing to chairs. And design does not just mean giving things a shape. Design creates the basis which enables things to function in the desired manner. It is a process in which complementary but often mutually contradictory requirements have to be met (comfort, technology, ergonomics, ecology, economics, aesthetics). Design can be successful only when the balance of all these factors is attained.

Quality:

• Once in the factory, Vitra staff manufacture furniture to precise standards, individually ensuring the quality of each product.
• Vitra has been certified for DIN EN ISO 9001: 2000.
• Vitra's focus on quality does not end at the factory door - they believe that providing clients with exceptional service is just as important as manufacturing furniture. In order to make certain Vitra clients enjoy consistently high quality in all Vitra products, they have set up their own test center which monitors products against criteria that are far more stringent than the statutory standards.

Ergonomics:

• Ergonomics is an applied science that studies the relationship between human beings and machines. Vitra produces furniture that responds to the ergonomic requirements of the body and as a consequence has a positive effect on health and well-being. All Vitra products (except for the experimental series Vitra Edition) have been tested by independent institutions. They comply with prescribed standards under the European Directive on VDU Work and are marked with the GS seal (= Geprüfte Sicherheit or Tested Safety, seal of the independent certification company LGA).

Ecology:

• Vitra's contribution to ecological conservation does not stop with a close examination of materials and processes. All aspects of the company's work involve ecological thinking.
• In 1991, Vitra set up an internal ecology committee to discuss environmental topics. This team identifies new tasks, and its project teams work together to find solutions.
• Vitra uses only non-CFC foams and adhesives free of toxic solvents; all possible materials are recycled. Wherever possible, Vitra uses recycled materials.
• Vitra's goal during production is to minimize noise and emission levels as well as to reduce waste. Packaging materials are kept to a minimum and re-used as often as possible.