Interview about Gis Chair, winner of the A' Furniture Design Award 2022
Gis is a three legged wooden chair with bronze feet and is carved out from two walnut logs with exquisite craftsmanship to seem as a sculpture. The wood knots and scars are remained exposed to give the objects a special characteristic. Despite its uncanny appearance, Gis is ergonomic due to the careful design of curves and angles. The design is an exploration of solid wood possibilities and also is a walk on the edge of Art and Design, Beauty and Function.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThis is a thoughtful question. In designing Gis, my goal was to create a form that is both timeless and innovative, familiar yet fresh. Instead of relying on well-known Iranian motifs, I drew from a deep, intuitive connection with my cultural heritage. This intuitive process, influenced by my visual and Iranian subconscious, allowed me to blend traditional beauty with modern functionality seamlessly.
Addressing the ergonomic challenges in Gis was straightforward. The comfort and usability were ensured through the design of the chair's upper surface, the part that directly contacts the body. The sculptural essence of the chair, however, lies in its lower surface and legs, which demanded specific design emphasis. To highlight these areas, I incorporated distinctive curves and, in the final stage, added bronze to the ends of the legs to enhance their brilliance and visual impact.
In my view, the knots and scars in Gis do not signify imperfections; instead, they tell a story of authenticity. These natural elements reveal the true character of the material, contributing to the unique beauty of Gis. Embracing these features allows the wood's inherent narrative to shine, adding depth and personality to the design.
Showcasing "authenticity," "material," and "skill" is central to Gis's beauty. Just as the massive stone sculptures of ancient Greece captivate us, Gis, through its form and meaning, also highlights human craftsmanship. This approach not only honors traditional techniques but also delivers a surprising and enchanting result.
In ancient Iranian literature, a lover's hair often plays a pivotal role in describing beauty and the intensity of affection. This profound cultural connection is deeply embedded in my subconscious. Inspired by my daughter Hana, I designed Gis. When she was three, her mother would tie her wavy hair, and I was mesmerized by the delicate, flowing beauty—a vision that translated into the chair's elegant form.
Gis was unveiled as part of the "Konj-e Hes" collection, where "Konj-e Hes" in Farsi denotes a private, cozy space. This chair, along with other pieces in the collection, was designed to impact its environment, fostering a sense of familiarity and security. These unique aesthetic qualities challenge traditional furniture design while maintaining functionality.
Gis stands at the intersection of art and design. Its meaningful and narrative qualities are so pronounced that one might argue its primary function is to be "viewed" and "discussed." By merging sculptural aesthetics with functional design, Gis redefines what a piece of furniture can be.
As I mentioned earlier, I addressed ergonomic considerations on the upper surface, where the body makes direct contact. However, to achieve aesthetic and meaningful emphasis, my attention was directed towards the lower curves and the form of the legs. This dual focus ensured that Gis remained comfortable while embodying its sculptural essence.
With Gis, I aimed to immortalize a chair form enriched with meaningful characteristics. My goal was to introduce a new representation of functionality. Gis could inspire future design trends by establishing a balance between practical functionality and profound meaning.
Gis continues to inspire me. I strive to maintain the connection between functionality and meaning in all my works. After creating Gis, the significance of traditional craftsmanship became even more inspiring. I believe that the authenticity and reality inherent in traditional production methods forge a deeper bond between humans and objects, transforming ordinary items into cherished, memorable, inspiring, and enduring pieces.
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