Aspen Sofa, from the Contemporanei Collection. Designed by Jean Marie Massaud. Manufactured by Cassina.

The Aspen Sofa is the product of two notables in modern furniture design: Italian Manufacturer Cassina and French Designer Jean Marie Massaud.

In 2005, the two collaborated to produce this piece, which shows an easy alliance between form and functionality. Massaud, who refers to his work as “life scripts” and who is keenly aware of the interplay between the artistic and functional elements of design, strives to create pieces that are lively and light, that are visually striking without seeming untouchable, that are adaptable to differing lifestyles. Cassina’s reputation is for clean lines and ergonomic design. Many of their pieces accomplish this through the elegant integration of structural steel and rigid upholstery. These elements facilitate the appearance that the upholstery is the chair, or the sofa in this case. The Aspen is no different: its steel structure and visible, chrome-plated bases compliment the upholstery, which is removable and available in fabric or leather.

This sofa should be seen from all sides to be appreciated. From the front it’s static, a serene mountain-top ridge worn smooth through the years; but from the sides it embodies movement, the changing contours of a dune of shifting sands or the dynamism and energy of a roiling surf. The backrest is partially gapped from the seat, a feature that is both ergonomic and visually arresting, in perfect accord with the floating appearance created by the invisible feet. With its simple yet sensuous lines, the Aspen, available in two sizes, complements any contemporary decor. The 70.9” version will fit beautifully in modern homes—not only in the living room, where you can relax and enjoy a sherry or cigar, but also in more intimate spaces such as bedrooms and libraries, where you can read The Great Gatsby by the fire. The 102.4” model would be perfect in the lobbies of grand hotels; think The Delano in Miami or The Wilson in Geneva. Another alternative is to join a pair of the smaller, linkable sofas, which creates a symmetrical curve reminiscent of pouty lips (very Lauren Bacall in the 40s). At 35.4” deep and 28.3” high, the Aspen is perfectly comfortable.

Collection additionally includes two coffee table variations that can also be placed alongside the sofas: a square low table and a round low table.

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