arper x studio MAIO's experiential showroom at salone del mobile 2017

salone del mobile 2017: for this year’s fair, italian furniture design brand arper has collaborated with barcelona-based architecture studio MAIO who designed their stand. founded by maria charneco, alfredo lérida, guillermo lópez and anna puigjaner, MAIO is specialized in the design of flexible systems for the definition of spaces. hence, the team made sure to best represent the interaction between architecture and arper’s collections.   

as studio MAIO explains: ‘the system we have designed for arper consists of simple, modular elements that can be reorganized to best suit the different kinds of spaces in which they are used. these elements are complete structures in themselves, in that they are self-supporting, efficient and easy to assemble’. 

thanks to this display system, the stand at the salone del mobile is organized around a large central square leading to many rooms where displayed products stimulate interaction. even more, MAIO’s design presented modular rooms that can be compressed or expanded as required by the exhibition narrative of each collection. along with unique flooring and walls, one of the most distinctive elements of this project is its ceilings with their unusual shapes and variable geometries. indeed, these help shape the particular character of each room and transmit their distinctive atmosphere.

‘together’ was arper’s keyword for this year’s salone, offering a new perspective that places relationships at the centre of design. the relationship between objects, expressed through the synergistic design of shells, bases, accessories, materials and colours; the relationship between objects and space, in which each element is coordinated to the other with flexibility, so as to achieve the best results; and finally, the relationship between spaces and people, expressed through individual choices and customized solutions as a means of self- expression.

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom