Laguna: A Modular Sofa Inspired by Venetian Landscape

Elena Trevisan's Innovative Design Wins Silver A' Furniture Design Award

Elena Trevisan's Laguna is not just a modular sofa; it's a work of art. Drawing inspiration from the Venetian landscape, the design features a distinctive cut between the seat and the backrest, giving it a '50s flavor. This unique feature sets Laguna apart from other modular sofas, making it a standout piece in any space.

Laguna's strength lies in its versatility and dynamism. The modular system can be endlessly combined and reconfigured to create light and sculptural compositions. This makes it a perfect fit for waiting areas and contemporary spaces. The design's ability to engage with corners and pillars further enhances its adaptability, making it a minimal ecosystem in itself.

The realization of Laguna involves a meticulous process. The legs are made of steel with anti-slip nylon glides suitable for any type of flooring. The inner structure is made of stratified beech plywood, and the upholstery is made of flexible crushproof polyurethane resin. The armrests are padded with differentiated density polyurethane foam, and the coffee table is made of medium-density fibreboard. The cushions are filled with mixed feather padding, adding to the overall comfort of the sofa.

The design specifications of Laguna are as varied as its forms. The sofa comes in different sizes, with or without arms, and can be combined to create unique layouts. The coffee table and cushions are also available in different sizes, further enhancing the versatility of the design.

What sets Laguna apart is its interaction with space. The curved and straight sofa modules can be combined and reconfigured to create fabulous interior design compositions. Simple hidden linking devices provide additional levels of flexibility, enabling the creation of various layouts. The concave and convex curved modules enable the creation of circular peninsula and wave layouts at varying sizes and levels of complexity.

The Laguna project started in November 2016 in Venice and was completed in March 2017 in Tezze sul Brenta (Vicenza). It was exhibited at the Salone del Mobile in April 2017. The design was developed to supply lounge contract furniture with the feel of home comfort. The sinuous shape of the backrest was designed to give perfect lumbar support, and the armrest is provided with a USB charger for mobile devices.

The design faced several challenges, including achieving a balance between comfort and lightness. The focus was on exploring in-between spaces and how form and materials meet each other. Attention to details such as thin legs and a cut between the seat and back inspired an idea of lightness and elegance. The result is a design that is both comfortable and elegant, a perfect blend of form and function.

Laguna is a testament to the power of design in transforming spaces and creating comfort. It's no surprise that it was awarded Silver in the A' Furniture Design Award in 2018. The award is a recognition of the design's outstanding expertise and innovation. Laguna is not just a modular sofa; it's a work of art that brings a touch of the '50s to contemporary design.