London studio Pearson Lloyd has designed the Veleta, a modular soft-seating system, for esPattio, a contemporary soft-seating furniture brand based in southern Spain
Soft seating has long been associated with domestic interiors or relaxed, social spaces, but as our working habits evolve, people are increasingly choosing to work from sofas and communal lounges. The design for the Veleta modular-seating system recognises that not everybody feels comfortable spending their day a single posture or environment. To respond to this challenge, London studio Pearson Lloyd created modular blocks that vary in height and depth, allowing individuals to find the position that suits them – upright for focus, reclined for rest, or somewhere in between, all without a need for mechanical adjustment.
“With Veleta we wanted to challenge the idea that variable ergonomics always require mechanical adjustment,” says Tom Lloyd, co-founder of Pearson Lloyd. “There are many modular sofa systems in the market. So how to differentiate? The contract market now sits at a crossroads between hospitality lounge and performance laptop use. So what to use in this hybrid space? The observation we made is that we could offer both postures within a single design idea and language. A deeper, lower seat for lounging and a higher, shallower seat for work and conversation, working side by side. A very simple idea, which for us created a quite unique design identity. It also addresses the varying needs of different body types and postures.”
By bridging the gap between work and leisure, Veleta reflects a cultural shift towards more fluid, hybrid environments, from co-working lounges to hotel lobbies. Its modular kit of parts makes it simple for architects and designers to configure flexible and varied layouts, which range from compact corners to large communal spaces. A metal frame at the base, which comes in a range of colours, and French seams, elevate the modules’ design. The sofa is complemented by side tables and discreet integrated electrical fixtures.
Circularity was a key consideration in this design and Veleta has been created with longevity in mind. Developed in close collaboration with esPattio, its plywood frame enables easy repair, reuse and material recovery. By eliminating mechanical adjustment, the system is simpler and longer-lasting.
Imagery courtesy by Pearson Lloyd
Find out more via Pearson Lloyd’s website here and esPattio’s website here.
