Jasper Morrison for Cappellini, Superoblong modular sofas

JASPER MORRISON (London, 1959) for Cappellini.
“Superoblong” modular sofa set, 1990s.
Fabric, foam, wood, metal.
Good condition, with some visible signs of wear consistent with its age and use.
Measurements: 67 x 540 x 95 cm. Seat height: 37 cm.

The Superoblong, designed by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini in 2004, is one of the British designer’s most original modular sofas and a contemporary reinterpretation of the legendary Sacco by Gatti, Paolini, and Teodoro. Instead of a traditional rigid frame, it consists of rectangular modules filled with polystyrene microspheres, joined together by sturdy colored zippers that connect the seat, backrest, and armrests. Morrison conceived the project as a deliberately informal alternative to the sophisticated international sofas of the time, championing a design that prioritizes comfort and functionality over conventional aesthetics.

Formally, the Superoblong stands out for its low-slung, soft, and almost architectural aesthetic. The modules feature prismatic shapes with rounded corners that rest directly on the floor, with no visible legs, accentuating their relaxed and carefree appearance. Its main innovation lies in the filling system: when you sit down, the microspheres redistribute themselves and the seat gradually adapts to the body, offering an experience similar to that of a bean bag, but with the spatial organization and presence of a conventional sofa.

Jasper Morrison trained at the Royal College of Art in London and later continued his studies at the Berlin University of the Arts on a scholarship. After completing his training, he opened his own design studio in London in 1986. Morrison attracted attention for the conceptual clarity of his installations “Reuters News Center” (Documenta 8 in Kassel) and “Some New Items for the Home” (DAAD Gallery in Berlin), characterized by objects that were markedly simplified in form, as a response to the formal excesses of postmodernism. Through his work, he became the forerunner of “New Simplicity,” a trend that advocates for a humble yet more serious interpretation of design. In addition to furniture, Morrison designs lamps, home accessories, and textiles, as well as a tram for the city of Hanover and the bus station on the Vitra campus in Weil am Rhein. Along with Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec and Hella Jongerius, Morrison is one of the leading architects of Vitra Home, a constantly expanding collection.