#Japan #Tokyo #BoConcept #Aarhus Collection #ARDE Design

Introducing the Aarhus Collection

BoConcept has officially unveiled its latest collection for the fall-winter 2025 season, the Aarhus Collection, designed in collaboration with the Danish design studio ARDE, led by designer René Hougaard. This new collection embodies the principles of sustainability and responsibility, essential components in today’s modern lifestyle, and serves as a beacon of advanced circular design.

A Commitment to Sustainability

Understanding the increasing emphasis on sustainability, the Aarhus Collection incorporates features that prioritize longevity and environmental mindfulness throughout its manufacturing process. Its design is inspired by minimalist Scandinavian aesthetics and the wisdom of early 20th-century furniture makers, resulting in a unique collection characterized by robust wooden structures, elegant proportions, and unparalleled comfort.

Significantly, the sofa from the Aarhus Collection is designed to be disassembled, showcasing a modern approach to sustainability by presenting new values that are friendly to both the environment and individuals. By adhering to the stringent criteria of the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, the Aarhus Collection demonstrates a commitment to excellence in design, structure, and functionality.

Innovative Design Philosophy

René Hougaard believes that design is about pushing the boundaries. He states, “The starting point for the Aarhus sofa was to rethink how we can change traditional sofa production from a sustainable perspective.” By analyzing furniture-making techniques from a century ago, there’s a drive to eliminate unnecessary elements, retaining only the essence of what is needed.

By opting for steel springs instead of polyurethane, the design maintains comfort while reducing waste. He emphasizes that changing one’s mindset can unlock exciting new possibilities. At its core, the Aarhus sofa is founded on circular thinking. Its structure avoids the use of adhesives, allowing for easy component replacement, repair, and recycling, significantly extending its lifespan. The covers are detachable and replaceable, permitting the sofa to evolve with time while encouraging long-term use.

Artistic Direction and Aesthetic Appeal

Global Artistic Director Helena Christensen describes René as a designer constantly exploring the “limits of possibility.” She appreciates how he prioritizes environmental considerations at every stage from shape and structure to material selection. The Aarhus sofa features soft, rounded solid wood frames coupled with cylindrical legs, instilling a timeless warmth. Its slim, sculptural arms contribute to both modernity and understated elegance, culminating in a sofa that excels not just in visual appeal but also in functionality and durability.

In contrast to conventional sofas, the Aarhus sofa’s backrest and seat incorporate steel springs, enabling a uniform, elastic seating experience and remarkable longevity. René reflects, “Sofas from a time without polyurethane were wonderfully comfortable because of springs and horsehair. I wanted to revisit that traditional method.”

Balancing Tradition and Innovation

Set apart from typical Danish sofas, the Aarhus sofa offers a lighter, more open, and sophisticated appearance compared to the usual Scandinavian styles. René expresses his excitement about the opportunity to challenge conventions with this new sofa, explaining, “Instead of modernity, it leans towards mid-century styles. It harmonizes beauty of proportions, warmth of materials, and human touch, creating a design that seamlessly fits our contemporary lives.” He incorporates three philosophies—elegance, ratio, and structure—into the entire Aarhus collection, striving for a balance where beauty, functionality, and structure converge.

Helena also appreciates the visible craftsmanship in the sofa’s frame, stating, “I love how the structure is apparent. It’s beautiful when craftsmanship is showcased.” The Aarhus collection embodies a stripped-down beauty that emphasizes what truly matters.

Completing the Collection with Cohesion

The collection is complemented by a coffee table and side table crafted from the same solid wood, combining curves and natural aesthetics to blend effortlessly into a variety of interiors while providing a touch of Nordic harmony. These tables feature a natural finish without conventional UV lacquers, maintaining a focus on wood’s warmth and texture, while meeting stringent durability standards.

A Vision of Responsible Choices

For ARDE, the guiding principle is grounded in the concept of “responsibility” rather than merely sustainability. René proclaims, “While ‘sustainability’ is critical, I find ‘responsibility’ resonates more deeply.” Through rigorous examination of materials and processes, they have progressed from abstract ideas to concrete, responsible choices without compromising quality. This unique approach defines the Aarhus collection as not only aiming to minimize impact but also fundamentally rethink the purpose of design, providing an honest proposal for the future of furniture.

Product Overview

• - Aarhus Sofa: Starting at ¥293,600 - (H76.0 x W180.0 x D91.0 cm)
• - Aarhus Coffee Table 1: ¥147,900 - (H44.0 x W70.0 x L119.0 cm)
• - Aarhus Coffee Table 2: ¥114,900 - (H44.0 x W80.0 x L80.0 cm)
• - Aarhus Side Table: ¥81,900 - (H51.0 x W45.0 x L45.0 cm)

About ARDE

ARDE, founded by architect René Hougaard, is renowned for creating products that harmoniously blend practicality, beauty, and innovation. Known for popular items like the Cupertino Desk for BoConcept, ARDE continuously challenges the boundaries of material and expression. The Aarhus collection stands as a testament to their latest exploration in design.

About BoConcept

Established in Denmark in 1952, BoConcept is one of the world’s most global furniture brands, with over 300 stores across 67 countries. Employing numerous award-winning designers, the brand offers a wide array of furniture and home accessories for both residential and office use. BoConcept is dedicated to providing exceptional interior design services without compromising on design quality, allowing for extensive customization options, which supports customers in creating their ideal spaces.

BoConcept's Interior Design Services

Experienced interior stylists offer complimentary support for creating the ideal space tailored to individual lifestyles. This includes consultations and combinations of sofas, tables, and accessories, alongside three-dimensional presentations to visualize customer concepts. Following discussions at their local stores, they provide detailed interior plans, including options for online consultations.