Interview about Desen Coffee Table, winner of the A' Furniture Design Award 2025
Desen, a modular coffee table collection inspired by traditional Mediterranean tile geometries, features two shapes of varying heights that permit numerous configurations and evoke an architectural aesthetic. Designed for individual use or as part of a larger composition, the collection balances functional practicality with sculptural form. Recessed tops offer practical surface areas while hollow interiors enhance material efficiency. Constructed from locally sourced marbles, Desen presents natural richness and texture, merging traditional influences with contemporary design principles.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe journey began with a deep appreciation for Mediterranean tile geometries, particularly the bold patterns and rich cultural significance they carry. I wanted to reinterpret these traditional patterns in a way that resonates with modern living. The key challenge was blending these ancient, intricate designs with the functional requirements of a coffee table. I experimented with geometry and modularity, distilling the essence of these tiles into geometric shapes that could form a cohesive and functional design. The final product is a celebration of history, transformed into a minimalist and contemporary piece that speaks to both heritage and modernity.
The recessed tops and hollow interiors were born from the desire to create a piece that felt substantial yet light, with a strong emphasis on material efficiency. By carving out spaces in the table’s structure, I was able to reduce material waste while maintaining an architectural aesthetic. These hollow spaces also provide functional value, offering storage solutions while contributing to the piece’s visual lightness. The design challenges conventional ideas of mass and void, creating an interplay between solidity and emptiness that feels dynamic and practical.
Ottoman art and Islamic geometric patterns are central to my work, offering a deep source of inspiration. These intricate designs are inherently modular, with repeating forms that lend themselves to structural and aesthetic adaptability. I drew on these principles to create a table that could be assembled in multiple configurations, with each piece acting as part of a greater whole. The geometric patterns, when adapted into a modular form, allowed for flexibility in design while maintaining harmony across the composition. The influence of these patterns is particularly evident in the way each individual element of the table fits together seamlessly, yet remains flexible.
The selection of four distinct Turkish marbles was a deliberate choice to honor the rich heritage of Turkish craftsmanship while creating a multi-layered aesthetic. Each marble was chosen not only for its beauty but also for its structural qualities. They provide contrast in texture and color, creating a visual dialogue between the pieces. These marbles enhance the table’s design by adding depth and richness, while their durability ensures that the piece remains functional and timeless. The combination of these marbles also speaks to the diversity and artistry found in traditional Turkish stoneworking.
The varying heights of the table components were carefully considered to create a harmonious balance between form and function. Each height serves a specific purpose: the lower height provides a grounded base, while the taller pieces offer a sense of elevation, creating a dynamic visual flow. This difference in height also enhances the table's versatility, allowing it to be used in various settings, from informal lounges to more formal spaces. The heights were chosen to ensure the design feels balanced and fluid, while also making it adaptable to different uses and contexts.
The puzzle-like aesthetic posed a significant challenge, as it required each piece to function both independently and as part of the larger whole. To overcome this, I focused on ensuring that each component was designed with both structural and visual integrity in mind. The pieces are meticulously crafted to fit together seamlessly, with no element feeling out of place. I worked closely with artisans to refine the proportions and connections, ensuring that each piece could be assembled without compromising the integrity of the design. The result is a table that feels cohesive and balanced, even while each component maintains its own identity.
My multicultural background plays a central role in the way I approach design, particularly with the Desen Coffee Table. The Italian influence brings a sense of minimalism and elegance, while Scandinavian design adds an emphasis on functionality and clean lines. Turkish design, with its rich history of geometric patterns, contributes complexity and a sense of cultural depth. The blending of these influences allowed me to create a piece that merges simplicity with intricate detail, balancing functionality with aesthetics. The geometric language of the table reflects this fusion, with each pattern and form representing the diverse cultural influences that shape my work.
I see the Desen Coffee Table as a step forward in the evolution of modular furniture. Its adaptability, coupled with its focus on materiality and craftsmanship, offers a new approach to how we think about modularity. The ability to reconfigure the table allows for a dynamic relationship between the user and the furniture, reflecting the changing needs of modern living. At Salone Satellite 2025, I hope this design will inspire other designers to explore the potential of modular pieces that offer both functionality and emotional resonance, creating a deeper connection between people and their environments.
Achieving a balance between tradition and innovation in the Desen Coffee Table was a conscious effort to bridge the past with the present. I began by studying traditional Turkish patterns and techniques, selecting elements that felt timeless and relevant to modern sensibilities. From there, I reinterpreted these forms in a way that respects the past while embracing contemporary materials and production techniques. The goal was to create a piece that feels both rooted in cultural history and relevant to today’s living spaces. The result is a design that honors tradition while speaking to the needs and aesthetics of contemporary life.
Winning the Silver A' Design Award for the Desen Coffee Table has been incredibly rewarding and has affirmed the importance of my approach to blending cultural heritage with contemporary design. It has encouraged me to continue exploring ways to marry these elements, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in furniture design. Going forward, I am inspired to develop more pieces that respect cultural craftsmanship while embracing modern technologies and design trends. The recognition has given me the confidence to explore even more ambitious projects that bridge the gap between the past and future, creating designs that are both meaningful and functional.
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