Lounging in the Round

More of a lounge/bed than a sofa, Ben van Berkel’s design for Walter Knoll stands out from the plethora of items like it because of the introduction of the zipper as design facet. A series of components can literally be zipped (and then unzipped) together in varying configurations, from a circular cocoon to an S-shaped sofa. Not all of the components are compatible, but with a little ingenuity and a little zipping, there are a lot of options. The piece is constructed by surrounding a metal frame with incredibly plush foam that not only asks you to sit down but virtually demands you lie down. Distributors M2L imagine the $14, 500 Circle Seating will be bought mostly by interior designers for large-scale public projects, although it is available for retail for the more intrepid zipper-happy consumer out there.