The Band sofa turns 20 years – celebrating a design classic by Petra Lassenius and Adea

Interior architect and designer Petra Lassenius has been collaborating with Adea for 20 years. The Band sofa, loved by customers since its debut in 2005, remains part of Adea's collection. Known for her long-lasting and modular furniture designs, Petra was awarded the 2024 Furniture Designer of the Year title.

Hi Petra! Can you tell us how your collaboration with Adea started?

– Our collaboration began through Vepsäläinen. I was presenting some product ideas, including 3D visualizations, to them. Matti Vepsäläinen liked the Band sofa and immediately called Esa Mäkitalo, Adea's CEO. Esa was interested in the sofa model, and that’s how our partnership started. I designed the Band in 2004, and it was launched in 2005.

What do you think is the secret behind the Band sofa's longevity in production?

– I always aim to design long-lasting products. A key factor has been the close collaboration with Adea; Band was carefully thought through from the beginning. The production process is efficient, and the sofa is made with high-quality materials. Adea is known for durable products, and Band is just one example. Its modularity is an advantage—it adapts to changing needs. You can remove one module and replace it with another, transforming the sofa into different configurations for various spaces. Adea’s furniture allows for replacing covers, cushions, and legs, giving the products resale value and extending their lifespan.

How has the Band sofa been modified over the years?

– The original model featured a wide armrest. About ten years ago, we decided to create a version with a lighter appearance. The version with a narrow armrest is a more traditional sofa. Around the same time, straight legs made of oval tubing were introduced alongside the original loop legs.

Where do you start when designing new furniture?

– It depends on the project, but sometimes the process starts with personal needs, as with the Band. My family had moved to Berlin, and we packed only essentials for the first move. Later, we brought some furniture from Finland. With small children, we needed a larger sofa. I wanted a deeper sofa with bigger modules, a place where we could read and relax together as a family.

– Today’s challenge is designing compact yet comfortable furniture, as living spaces have become smaller. This requires a different approach. Modern furniture design often starts with spatial needs, and every detail must be carefully planned. The scale of homes and furniture has changed.

Can you walk us through the design process, from idea to finished furniture?

– It all starts in my head. It helps if I have a specific space in mind for the furniture. First, I form a general idea, and then I begin exploring shapes and forms. The very first stage involves hand-drawn sketches. I also create quick scale models from cardboard and modeling clay to visualize proportions. Soon after, we work on 3D models to refine dimensions and create life-sized cardboard models. We often test the furniture digitally in a specific space. Digital tools play a significant role in simplifying the design process. At this stage, we choose materials and create the first prototype, which evolves into the final product in collaboration with the manufacturer.

What are your core values in furniture design, and how do they align with Adea’s?

– Longevity and sustainability are essential. Nowadays, product lifecycle considerations are more critical than ever. When we create new products, they must have a clear purpose. I recently studied Band’s lifecycle and saw these values reflected in Adea's production. They use domestic materials with a traceable and transparent production chain. While no company is completely green, Adea is heading in the right direction, paying attention to these aspects and discussing values openly.

– Adea also prioritizes upholstery fabrics. We discuss how to ensure the fabric’s durability and recyclability, though there are still challenges and contradictions. Much depends on the use and the user.

– There’s still room for designers to innovate. Things can always be improved, and we hope they will be. Designers play a significant role in a product’s sustainability—80% of the decisions are made during the design process. This requires a lot of attention and interactive collaboration with the manufacturer.

Are there new furniture designs by you coming to Adea’s collection?

– We are currently exploring a new addition related to the Band. Other projects are also in progress, and hopefully, the design and development process will lead to finished products.