Goetz Sofa: Turning Tradition Inside Out

The traditional sofa is a wooden frame covered with padding and upholstery. Choosing to turn tradition inside out, designer Mark Goetz wrapped his sofa in a shell of molded plywood, creating a structural frame in a material pioneered by Herman Miller.

Designing a sofa for the Herman Miller Collection was a “daunting challenge,” says Goetz. “If I were sitting in a room with Eames, Nelson, and Noguchi, and we were discussing design, I would be listening rather than talking,” he said. “When designing the sofa, I took on that role, trying to understand the qualities of the Collection that make it so wonderful. I wanted to create something that echoes the Collection and respectfully adds to it.”

Understanding that design is deeper than styling, Goetz made sure that his sofa would be comfortable, no matter what position you are in. He conducted research and consulted experts to arrive at a seat depth that provides ergonomic sitting support as well as room to lie down.

The result is a design that shares good company with the works of Eames, Nelson, and Noguchi.