«The main purpose of my work is to inspire people to use their imagination and make their environment more exciting». With these words, architect and interior designer Verner Panton summed up the essence of his creative approach. Panton, who opened his studio in Copenhagen in 1955, is famous for his collaborations with various furniture and textile manufacturers, and for his innovative creations that challenge traditional design conventions, among them the Panton chair designed for Vitra in 1959. Today, however, we are talking about a less popular but still incredibly topical piece. Living Sculpture – exhibited at the Centre Pompidou in Paris – is to all intents and purposes a sofa although, as the title suggests, it seems more like a sculpture. Decidedly pop and at times psychedelic, the soft structure aims not only at the comfort that a sofa requires, but rather at becoming a real experience for its users.

Verner Panton created Living Sculpture for his private residence between 1970 and 1971. Relaxation was undoubtedly his goal, but so was interaction and enjoyment. The bright colours and soft materials stimulate sight and touch, while the impact of the size of this sofa-sculpture elevates the domestic space to an artistic dimension. In short, more than forty years later, Panton’s vision continues to inspire contemporary designers, proving that imagination and innovation can transform even the most ordinary spaces into incredible works of art.

Courtesy Verner Panton AG