Arper in Chicago

After the openings in Milan, Cologne, Stockholm, New York and London the Arper's strategic approach to the North American market continues with a new showroom in Chicago.

The goal is affirming Arper's position in central markets such as the United States and Canada, and, more generally, the Americas, which since 2008 has already benefited from the presence of a subsidiary, Arper USA Inc.

The location chosen for the new Chicago showroom is the historic Merchandise Mart, one of world’s largest commercial buildings with an over 372.000 m2 surface. Since 1930 it has been hosting shops, showrooms and permanent and temporary architecture and Interior Design exhibition areas. The Merchandise Mart also hosts Neocon, the most important international event in America in the context of corporate contract, attracting architects, dealers, designers and press from around the world. Arper has opened the doors of the new exhibition facility, which will house, in about 150 sqm, the 2013 product innovations.

The Arper’s exhibition space (no. 339) is hosted on the 3rd floor, one of the most coveted and prestigious floors of the structure. About the project, the architect Solveign Ferlund said: I wanted the showroom to feel like a gallery, with the chairs being displayed like sculptures on slightly raised platforms. They are grouped in a diagonal pattern following the shape of the showroom wall at the end of the space. The square platforms form a faceted silver surface reflecting the outline of each chair. I love working with people and companies involved with art and design and the dialogue that is integral to these projects.” The showroom layout has been realized in collaboration with studio LAM Lievore Altherr Molina.