Brussels Furniture Fair
veronica 30/07/2025

The design philosophy

A design as essential as it is flexible defines MDF Italia's Array sofa, conceived by Snøhetta to adapt to contemporary living with minimal environmental impact

Modularity and sustainability. These are the two pillars around which the Array sofa concept is developed – two simple yet fundamental concepts in redefining contemporary living. MDF Italia‘s Array is designed to adapt: to spaces, to changing functions, to the rhythms of an ever-evolving daily life. It is a structure that thus evolves in function and aesthetics, but also in terms of durability, thanks to the ability to replace individual elements. Every design choice therefore speaks of responsibility, awareness, and a new way of experiencing spaces. Array brings with it a flexible furnishing vision, deeply in tune with our times.

The result of a collaboration between MDF Italia and the international studio Snøhetta, Array transcends the traditional sofa concept. Compact, upholstered volumes encased in essential forms are combined to create multiple and potentially infinite compositions through simple interlocking systems: small modules that allow for a variety of configurations – linear, curved, circular – easily connected and disassembled with equal simplicity.

Elements with or without backrests offer different levels of comfort; when combined, they create a dynamic and rhythmic landscape where seating doubles as practical poufs or surface areas. These solutions are further complemented by the collection’s coffee tables, which integrate seamlessly with the sofa. This approach effectively serves the design project world – hospitality, retail, office – thanks to an upholstery concept that perfectly synthesizes the ideal of flexibility.

But Array’s design goes beyond mere function and comfort. The modules, conceived in this way, drastically reduce environmental impact by influencing the entire production chain: they are easy to transport, thus simplifying logistics, and can be easily replaced, promoting both replacement and recycling.

Array by MDF Italia, design Snøhetta - Photo © Nudesign

Furthermore, the concept of sustainability extends to the materials used. The robust injection-moulded base, made from 100% recycled plastic with a hollow core, minimizes material usage. The foam in the seat and backrest (made of polyurethane with 51% recycled content) is shaped to maximize comfort. The textile cover is also available in recycled polyester. The Array collection is thus developed with both a micro and macro perspective, addressing the present while looking to the future.

Photo © Nudesign

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