Interview about Orb Sideboard, winner of the A' Furniture Design Award 2025
The Orb sideboard blends Art Deco elegance with Byzantine architectural influences, drawing inspiration from the Ancient Roman Hippodrome in Istanbul. Its symmetrical form, aerodynamic curves, and circular side doors maximize space while maintaining a refined aesthetic. Crafted from hand shaped wood with lacquer finishes, veneered interiors, and precision cut surfaces, Orb integrates a custom hinge system for seamless functionality. Gold accents enhance its luxurious appeal, embodying historical influence within contemporary design.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe Ancient Roman Hippodrome in Istanbul served as a key inspiration due to its massive elliptical form, rhythmic colonnades, and axial symmetry. I was fascinated by how the Hippodrome unified grandeur with geometric precision. In the Orb Sideboard, the sweeping arc of the circular side doors echoes the racing tracks, while the linear rhythm of the cabinet front mirrors the colonnade alignments. The entire piece is arranged along a strong central axis, recalling the Hippodrome’s architectural order. This helped me translate a monumental historical form into an object of refined domestic scale.
The circular doors were conceptually inspired by ancient rotundas and Byzantine domes—symbols of divine symmetry. To preserve the purity of the circle while ensuring functionality, we designed a custom hinge mechanism that allows the doors to rotate open without visible hardware. It was technically demanding: the doors required precise weight distribution, tolerance calibration, and magnetic stabilization. Collaborating closely with our engineering team in Ankara, we prototyped and iterated the mechanism multiple times to achieve a motion that feels effortless and visually uninterrupted.
The Bosphorus Deep blue tone was chosen to evoke the mysterious depth and richness of the strait that divides and unites East and West. This hue carries a symbolic weight—it references Ottoman tiles, Byzantine mosaics, and the maritime importance of the Bosphorus throughout history. By embedding this tone in the interior, we create a hidden layer of storytelling. The color acts as a metaphor for cultural convergence and timeless beauty—an interior world that pays tribute to Istanbul’s dual heritage, often unseen but profoundly present.
The front facade of the Orb Sideboard is inspired by Art Deco geometry. We used CNC milling to define the macro geometry but relied on skilled artisans to refine each edge, sand the surface by hand, and apply lacquer layer by layer. This combination ensures that the machine’s precision is softened and enriched by the human touch—balancing modern technique with traditional craftsmanship in a way that reflects the spirit of the design.
The dimensions were calculated to evoke architectural scale while remaining proportionate to residential interiors. The width of 222 cm allows for a tripartite division—central doors flanked by circular side units—enhancing the symmetrical aesthetic. The height of 74 cm aligns with ergonomic access and typical sideboard usage, while the 50 cm depth provides ample storage without overwhelming the space. These proportions were carefully studied through 1:1 mockups, ensuring that the Orb Sideboard feels substantial yet approachable, monumental yet intimate.
Lacquered wood offers a mirror-like surface reminiscent of imperial opulence, while brushed gold detailing echoes Byzantine mosaics and Art Deco metalwork. These materials were selected not just for their visual impact but for their cultural resonance. I wanted the sideboard to feel timeless, rooted in tradition yet unmistakably modern. The interplay between the glossy finish and matte gold accents creates depth, while also reflecting light in a theatrical way, enhancing the sculptural quality of the piece.
During our user research phase, we conducted interviews with homeowners and interior designers to understand how sideboards are used in real life. A recurring theme was the need for flexibility—many wanted to store tall bottles, tableware, or multimedia components. We responded by designing shelving systems with different heights.
To translate the Hippodrome’s monumental scale into furniture, I focused on visual rhythm and axial harmony rather than literal size. The curved forms and repeated vertical grooves suggest continuity and expansion, much like the Hippodrome’s colonnades. The symmetrical layout and grand proportions pay homage to the architecture’s grandeur, but the material palette, refined detailing, and user-centric storage ensure the piece serves daily functions. This duality, monumental inspiration in a human-scale object, is at the heart of Orb’s design philosophy.
The Orb Sideboard demonstrates that luxury can be narrative-driven, not just material-based. I believe this approach will shape the future of high-end furniture: pieces that combine historical storytelling with functionality and emotional resonance. Clients today seek meaningful design, not just decoration. Orb speaks to that by offering a rich cultural language through form, color, and material. Its success encourages designers to look to the past for inspiration while embracing technological innovation and user-centered design.
Designing in Istanbul allowed me to immerse myself in the city’s layered history, drawing directly from its architecture and atmosphere. Manufacturing in Ankara gave us access to a skilled network of craftspeople and high-tech production facilities. This dual-city model fostered a balance between conceptual depth and technical precision. Istanbul fueled the artistic vision; Ankara ensured its execution met the highest standards. It also mirrors the story of the Bosphorus: bridging worlds, merging history with modernity, design with fabrication.
Dive into a world of design excellence with our curated highlights. Each feature showcases outstanding creativity, innovation, and impact from the design world. Discover inspiration and learn more about these incredible achievements.
