Introducing an AI-Designed Couch That Can Fit in an Envelope for Your Back’s Comfort.

Ikea’s experimental design arm, Space10, has created a couch that can fit in an envelope and only weighs around 22 pounds. The Couch in an Envelope was developed as a challenge to create a more adaptable, sustainable and modular couch for modern living using AI. The prototype was created with an aluminum frame and cellulose and mycelium foam fabrics, making it both lightweight and recyclable. The couch does not require any tools for assembly and its modular nature allows for at least 30 different constructions. While the couch is a speculative design project and will not be sold by Ikea, it serves as an agenda for change to inspire designers to move towards designs that are lighter and more sustainable. The product was developed as the conversation around fast furniture and its environmental toll has heightened. The prototype of the couch is on display at Space10’s latest exhibition: Design in the Age of AI.