Housed in a historic building dating back to 1904 the sprawling second-floor space features giant windows and ample sunlight. Through the vast windows, one can see sides of the imposing columns that decorate historic facade, adding a layer of texture to the otherwise minimal interior design. New York-based architect Solveig Fernlund was responsible of the architecture and interior design of the space.
“The concept for the showroom design was to articulate the original architecture of the space as much as possible. Columns, flooring, plaster walls and ceilings were restored and the space was opened up to create a showroom / gallery that feels both expansive and intimate. Three sets of floating translucent fabric panels divide the space into four rooms each revealing views beyond while also creating intimacy allowing the furniture to be experienced individually as well as part of a bigger whole.” He explained.
Barcelona-based Lievore Altherr Molina, long-time collaborators of Arper, involved in the design of most of the product collections, was the creative director in charge of the furniture display.
Jeannette Altherr of Lievore Altherr Molina describes the collaboration with these words: “We wanted to work with Solveig because we see a similar approach, or connections in her work and Arper’s product philosophy: a sensous simplicity, using just as much elements as needed. The result are spaces reduced to its essence, that feel serene, effortless and naturally in balance, and allow you to experiment the space from your personal perspective rather then through a dominating author signature. This is for us the ultimate sophistication – and just the architecture partner we wanted for the NY showroom.”
Arper showcases in NY its collection of products including chairs – task, lounge and contract models, sofas and tables, including Kinesit task chair, the company’s successful Catifa collections and Parentesit acoustical panels, all designed by Lievore Altherr Molina. The Steeve sofa by Jean-Marie Massaud, Cross table by Fattorini+Rizzini+Partners, Pix ottomans and tables by Ichiro Iwasaki, Nuur table by Simon Pengelly and Juno chair by James Irvine. Due to its “soft tech” approach in product design, even Arper’s most technical pieces, like Kinesit, employ an intuitive built-in technology hidden out of sight to ensure its beauty and simplicity.
The showroom houses the offices of Arper USA, overseeing the company’s operations in North America, including a new operational hub in High Point, North Carolina that will centralize manufacturing and logistics for North America, as well as the company’s showroom in Chicago’s Merchandise Mart.
