Interview about Marka Multifunctional Chair, winner of the A' Furniture Design Award 2025
Introducing the Modular Armrest, a seating solution for two that effortlessly converts into a legless chair without screws or glue. This playful design encourages dynamic seating arrangements and a healthy lifestyle. Inspired by the camel saddle used by Bedouin nomads, it blends cultural heritage with modern aesthetics. Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, especially in regions like the Middle East and Asia, this piece fosters social interaction and comfort, inviting users to enjoy communal seating in a fun and engaging way.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsFor Marka part of the first step of the design was to make " what the culture needs " and from there it start to evolve around the question of " How the culture used to be?" from there the process start to be more of linking needs and applying creative ways of approaching the form and function of the design . It was an organic yet magical state of mind doing the design .
I always had interest in modular design , even the DIY ones and I mean the pre-historic human objects and how it evolves from using animals bones to spray paint on cave's wall , to the evolving of chair and ways of setting .The intention of the design was to try to keep it evolved around the modularity which is the same intentions for Bedouins at the begining , and the process after that was trying to make it happen by trying that on 3D softwares and prototypes .
As Riyadh expands and grows busier, people seek to escape the city’s noise by camping under the moonlight in the desert. Marka offers a solution by serving as both indoor and outdoor furniture, allowing it to accompany people into the desert and be part of their moments of retreat.
As a designer, I believe our responsibility extends beyond aesthetics and function; it includes finding solutions that positively impact people and the environment. For me, design is not just a career but a commitment to addressing challenges around us, including environmental concerns. This mindset shapes my approach to every project, ensuring that I contribute to a more thoughtful, sustainable future through design.
Coming from a region now engaging with the world across many sectors, I believe sharing our culture is essential. But it’s the middle ground that matters when exporting culture: you need to share both the raw authentic layers and the redefined objects inspired by the culture. This is exactly what I aim to achieve with my design work bridging our heritage with contemporary expressions to connect meaningfully with others.
It’s a playful yet defining piece within the design. The triangular pillow creates a sense of juxtaposition, inviting the user to question its purpose and encouraging them to place it in different positions based on their comfort and convenience.
I hope that it help designer from my region and other region to start visiting the roots of the object they have or used to have so we can provide more unique and creative to the people .
As Riyadh expands and grows busier, people seek to escape the city’s noise by camping under the moonlight in the desert. Marka offers a solution by serving as both indoor and outdoor furniture, allowing it to accompany people into the desert and be part of their moments of retreat.
The adjustable joinery reflects the core intention of the design. It holds the pieces together when used as an armrest while also providing padding for the body. When transformed into a chair, it plays a crucial role by supporting weight, reducing the reliance on solid parts alone.
I think that comes from my work as a film production designer where I work with a lot of the object and furniture from my culture whether that comes from research different periods or designing and putting them on set to serve the story .
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