While elevators can be unexpectedly charming and elegant – especially those of the Art Deco era – they’re not often mentioned as being someone’s creative inspiration. Then along came Julien Renault and the LIFT sofa. Brought to life for Portuguese brand MOR Design, it borrows from the machine’s mechanics as well as the iconic LC 2 Chair by Le Corbusier. The LIFT sofa and accompanying armchair have been meticulously crafted with expert precision, much like the machinery with which it shares its name. Renault highlights this expertise and commitment to quality, putting both on full display with LIFT, even suggesting the sofa is best placed at the center of a space in full exploration and appreciation of the frame.
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“A sofa is a piece of furniture that often elevates you from the floor. This wooden frame is directly inspired by the lift/elevator metal frame, working like a cage and a platform that welcomes the cushions,” Renault says of his inspiration.
The influence of Le Corbusier’s LC 2 Chair can be seen in the sharp lines of the seating’s structure; in fact, it’s part of what elevates LIFT’s design above similar casual seating. The immaculate framework that makes up the back of each sofa and chair isn’t an afterthought made to blend in. It proudly stands as the strongest design element of the seating’s personality.
The frame structure also offers a nod toward the smooth curvature of LIFT’s supple leather cushions with its bent wood corners. You won’t see any bolts, screws, or other hardware interrupting LIFT’s visual design – just smooth wood and leather playing their parts.
“Even if the frame looks unpretentious, there has been a lot of work on details between the cushion’s sewing line and the frame construction, with all the bolts and screws hidden inside the structure,” Renault shares with us. “There is a real dialogue between the cushions and the shape of the frame when we look at it. The overall result seems natural, which is always a good sign. However, making this frame strong enough without looking too bold has been a real challenge.”
A two-seater sofa, a three-seater sofa, and a one-seater chair are each available in ash, oak, and walnut woods. Choose from Natural, Almond, Brown, Coffee, Olive, and Black leathers, and a variety of fabric options to make LIFT your own.
As a designer, Renault is known for observing and adding minute details to his work. The small but impactful design decisions made in LIFE aren’t surprising, rather they’re each calculated to match his initial concept. Having an eye for photography and understanding the connection between an object and its environment certainly doesn’t hurt when it comes to filling a space either. Stylishly simple, LIFT and its anatomy are a true success story for Renault and MOR Design.
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To learn more about LIFT sofa, visit mordesign.com.
Source: design-milk