Quite apart from the habitual styling exercise which surrounds a new settee - which consists of a principally aesthetic proposal - Prado represents first and foremost an approach based on the study of lifestyles, or in short, the human being.

Here, therefore, we find the same ambition as that which brought us Smala in the early part of the new century. Prado consists of a vast seat which may be used either independently or with other elements, on which back cushions may be scattered at will.

There is total freedom since these cushions, which are weighted and equipped with an anti-slip system, will remain in place without needing to be leant against or attached to anything.

They could therefore be arranged on the floor for a few leisurely moments around a low table, whilst the seat could do duty as an occasional bed simply by turning over its seat cushion, the reverse of which is covered with mattress ticking.