Bridging Art and Function: How Sotiris Lazou Designed the Solida 012 Chair for al2

3 Questions for Sotiris Lazou Design Studio

Q: The chair feels both sculptural and soft. Where did the idea begin, and what was the first insight that set the design of Solida 012 in motion?​

A: From the beginning, the intention was to merge two seemingly opposite qualities — structural clarity and tactile comfort — into one coherent expression. The first insight came from the idea that a chair could be both sculptural in form and warm in presence. The design of Solida 012 started with the exploration of a base that could seamlessly connect two geometric elements, offering both stability and elegance, while ensuring that the experience remains inviting and comfortable. In this way, the geometry becomes the structure, while the upholstered body acts as the gesture that welcomes you to sit.

The first insight came from the idea that a chair could be both sculptural in form and warm in presence.

Q: When working with a major brand like al2, how do you balance the brief with your own voice so the result expresses both the brand and your studio while still bringing something new?​

A: Collaboration is the foundation of every successful project. The starting point is always the brand’s DNA — its values, its visual language, and its identity. With al2, however, the relationship goes much deeper. We started our collaboration from the very first day of the company’s foundation, and I had the honor of being its first designer — the one who has created most of its furniture collections. I know the brand’s DNA and its capabilities inside out, and after twelve years of collaboration, there is mutual trust that allows me to design almost without a formal brief. The team at al2 knows that each new piece will fully express the brand’s character while also introducing a fresh and evolved perspective. The result feels like a natural continuation of the brand, enriched by the design philosophy of Sotiris Lazou Design Studio.

The team at al2 knows that each new piece will fully express the brand’s character while also introducing a fresh and evolved perspective. The result feels like a natural continuation of the brand, enriched by the design philosophy of Sotiris Lazou Design Studio.

Technical constraints are not obstacles — they are part of the design process.

Q: How do technical constraints shape your work on Solida 012? Do you like to challenge the company’s engineers, or do you let their manufacturing experience guide the evolution of the design?​

A: Technical constraints are not obstacles — they are part of the design process. I enjoy engaging in a creative dialogue with the engineers, understanding what is possible and where we can gently push the boundaries. Sometimes I propose a more daring joint or construction detail; other times, I rely on their deep understanding of materials, production processes, and tolerances. This balance — between respect for technical reality and the intention to elevate form — ensures that Solida 012 remains both refined and feasible, where design integrity meets manufacturing precision.

About Solida 012

Solida chair design highlights the essence of minimalism, where every detail has been thoughtfully chosen to enhance the harmony of form and function. The unified base, which seamlessly connects the two geometric elements, creates a sense of stability and modern sophistication, making it ideal for any setting, whether it’s an office or a home environment.