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| DESIGN DETAILS |
DESIGN NAME: Topkapi
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Sideboard
INSPIRATION: The decorative style of geometric ornamentation, based on different geographies and cultures, particularly advanced with the development of geometry knowledge in Egypt and Sumer. The geometric pattern and ornamentation style reached its peak in Islamic civilizations, symbolizing the infinite nature of the universe. Named after Topkapi Palace, where these patterns were used on walls, it draws inspiration from the six-minaret Blue Mosque for the design of its six blue front legs with brass tips.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Topkapi is a sideboard design that combines traditional woodworking techniques, which feature motifs inspired by geometric patterns dating back thousands of years and holding significant importance in Turkish Islamic art, with modern technology, resulting in finely crafted cover surfaces.
The motifs, carrying the rich heritage of Anatolian architecture and Turkish Islamic art, add a mystical and unique touch of the East to your living space.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: Topkapi creates an emotional connection by taking the user on a historical and cultural journey.
The Cnc machined door surfaces provide a tactile sense of depth. The door mechanism features a soft-opening system for smooth operation. With a spacious four-door storage area, it offers a perfect balance of functionality and aesthetics. The interior shelf system is optimized for items of varying heights. A centrally located wide drawer provides ideal storage for small and valuable items.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The design process of the Topkapi sideboard began in June 2022 in the garden of Topkapi Palace on Istanbul's historic peninsula, marking the beginning of a creative journey. After an extensive development phase, it was completed and produced in Ankara in February 2023.
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Furniture Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The body of Topkapi is crafted from high-quality lacquer and natural wood surfaces, shaped with Cnc technology. Geometric patterns on the doors are created through precision cutting and handcraftsmanship, adding depth and rich texture. The interior features a lacquer finish, with red tones enhancing the luxurious, mystical Eastern ambiance. Tapered legs have brass detailing, while the perforated top panel, made of patina-brushed copper, is meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Width: 221 cm, Height: 80 cm, Depth: 50 cm.
TAGS: Focal, Bookcase, Neoclassic, Art Deco, Asymmetry, Wood, Brass, Modern, Elegant, Architecture
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Topkapi is the result of an in-depth research process that explores the intricate geometric patterns and woodworking traditions of Islamic architecture. The "Mukarnas" and "Zencerek" patterns, commonly used in Ottoman and Seljuk architecture, have been elaborated in the design and reinterpreted through Cnc machining technology.
CHALLENGE: The greatest challenge of this design was to seamlessly blend traditional woodworking craftsmanship with modern production techniques. The three-dimensional sense of depth on the doors was successfully achieved through the combination of Cnc machining and handcraftsmanship. The brass details used in the leg structure, inspired by the foot designs of Ottoman palace furniture, bring together the past and the future through its design language.
ADDED DATE: 2025-02-10 13:49:15
TEAM MEMBERS (1) :
IMAGE CREDITS: A. Murat ARIK
Erinç ULUSOY
Giray AYDOS
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| Visit the following page to learn more: https://www.qzens.com |
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| CLIENT/STUDIO/BRAND DETAILS |
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NAME: QZENS Furniture
PROFILE: Founded in 2002 by two cousins who shared a common dream, QZENS began its journey in a modest 160 m² production workshop, with zero capital and rented machinery. Since its establishment, the company has been unwavering in its pursuit of becoming a globally recognized brand. Today, QZENS continues to expand with two production facilities in Ankara Siteler, an 1,800 m² flagship store in Ankara Beytepe, and international offices in Milan and Erbil. The brand operates with a team of over 200 professionals across management, project planning, production, and field operations, all dedicated to maintaining excellence at every stage. QZENS stands out as a brand that seamlessly merges art with technology, defies the ordinary, and is driven by a passion for crafting elegant, awe-inspiring designs. With a strong commitment to luxury, the company strives to offer an extraordinary experience through products that tell a story—where creativity and originality are embedded in every detail, all while upholding the highest quality standards. Precision and meticulous craftsmanship define QZENS’ approach to production. Each product is created using carefully selected premium materials, rigorously inspected at every stage to ensure it meets the brand’s uncompromising standards. This dedication to fine craftsmanship and superior quality sets QZENS apart, ensuring that every product embodies uniqueness, excellence, and outstanding performance.
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| COMMENTS |
| Giulia Esposito |
Comment #103786 on June 20, 2025, 2:14 pm |
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Upon viewing the extraordinary sideboard design titled "Topkapi," I am genuinely inspired by the remarkable fusion of traditional woodworking techniques with contemporary production methods, resulting in an elegant harmony of heritage and innovation. The intricate geometric patterns, thoughtfully drawn from the rich decorative traditions of Anatolian architecture and Turkish Islamic art, beautifully capture the mystical essence of Eastern aesthetics, while the meticulously crafted brass detailing on the tapered legs subtly evokes the refined sophistication of Ottoman furniture craftsmanship. Additionally, the carefully chosen color palette, including the striking blue legs and luxurious red interior lacquer finish, enhances further the depth and character of this exceptional furniture piece, making the sideboard design titled "Topkapi" an impressive embodiment of cultural heritage and modern precision. The thoughtful reinterpretation of historic motifs, such as "Mukarnas" and "Zencerek," through the precise integration of CNC technology and artisanal handcraftsmanship, demonstrates remarkable creativity and meticulous attention to detail, showcasing clearly why this sideboard design has rightfully earned the esteemed recognition of the A' Design Award. The outstanding work presented by Yilmaz Dogan truly deserves highest praise.
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| Chloe Turner |
Comment #104412 on June 20, 2025, 7:27 pm |
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I am truly impressed by the exceptional elegance and thoughtful craftsmanship embodied in the "Topkapi" sideboard; the sophisticated use of geometric ornamentation, deeply rooted in the rich heritage of Egyptian, Sumerian, and particularly Islamic artistic traditions, beautifully captures the symbolism of infinite universality. The delicate yet pronounced incorporation of six blue legs with refined brass tips not only evokes the grandeur and historic essence of the Blue Mosque but also creates an aesthetically harmonious balance between form and function. The meticulous attention given to cultural detail and historical inspiration makes the "Topkapi" sideboard a remarkable example of refined furniture design and a deserving recipient of the distinguished A' Design Award. Witnessing such an innovative and culturally resonant creation enriches my appreciation for furniture design and its potential to bridge history and contemporary aesthetics seamlessly; the designer, Yilmaz Dogan, has truly achieved excellence with the "Topkapi" sideboard.
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| Paul Phillips |
Comment #104823 on June 20, 2025, 10:52 pm |
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I am truly captivated by the sophisticated fusion of traditional woodworking techniques and contemporary craftsmanship evident in the Topkapi sideboard design; the meticulous integration of geometric motifs, richly inspired by Anatolian architectural heritage and the profound legacy of Turkish Islamic art, imparts an undeniably mystical and elegant Eastern charm to any living environment. The harmony achieved between historical symbolism and modern aesthetics demonstrates a remarkable sensitivity towards cultural preservation while embracing innovative design principles, making the Topkapi sideboard an exceptional masterpiece worthy of the highest recognition. Witnessing such a distinguished creation receive the prestigious A' Design Award further affirms my admiration for the exceptional talent and vision of Yilmaz Dogan.
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| Elisabeth Clark |
Comment #105452 on June 21, 2025, 4:08 am |
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I am genuinely inspired and deeply impressed by Yilmaz Dogan's exceptional sideboard design, "Topkapi," honored by the prestigious A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category, as the sideboard beautifully merges traditional woodworking techniques and historical motifs from Anatolian architecture and Turkish Islamic art with contemporary technology, creating a truly remarkable and timeless piece. The thoughtful incorporation of geometric patterns, reminiscent of the rich heritage found in Topkapi Palace and the iconic Blue Mosque, brings a unique depth and cultural resonance to the design, elevating the sideboard beyond mere furniture into a meaningful work of art that enriches any living space. Furthermore, I greatly appreciate the meticulous and extensive research undertaken by Yilmaz Dogan into Mukarnas and Zencerek patterns, which are masterfully reinterpreted with precision through Cnc machining, demonstrating a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. I feel privileged to witness such an extraordinary contribution to furniture design, as Topkapi exemplifies the highest standards of craftsmanship, creativity, and cultural understanding, making Yilmaz Dogan's recognition by the A' Design Award highly deserved.
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| Adam Harris |
Comment #106037 on June 21, 2025, 9:01 am |
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The sideboard Topkapi is truly an exceptional creation that strikingly harmonizes traditional woodworking artistry with contemporary manufacturing techniques, resulting in a furniture piece of outstanding beauty and sophistication. I find the intricate geometric motifs, inspired by the profound heritage of Turkish Islamic art and Anatolian architecture, to be particularly captivating, enriching the piece with a sense of history and cultural depth. The thoughtful integration of patterns such as Mukarnas and Zencerek, combined with the precise use of CNC machining technology, showcases an admirable attention to detail and commitment to craftsmanship. Furthermore, the elegant design of the sideboard's legs, referencing the six-minaret Blue Mosque and enriched by brass accents reminiscent of Ottoman palace furniture, beautifully bridges the timeless elegance of historical tradition with modern aesthetics. It is clear to me that Topkapi deserves the prestigious recognition of winning the A' Design Award, as the sideboard exemplifies excellence in furniture design through its innovative approach and meticulous execution.
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| Paul Williams |
Comment #106413 on June 21, 2025, 12:09 pm |
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Topkapi stands as an exceptional embodiment of timeless elegance and sophisticated craftsmanship, beautifully merging traditional woodworking techniques and the rich legacy of Anatolian architecture with contemporary design elements. The meticulous integration of intricate geometric motifs, deeply rooted in Turkish Islamic art, and the thoughtful use of modern CNC machining technology reflect a profound respect for historical artistry enhanced by innovative vision. I particularly admire how the detailed patterns and gracefully tapered legs with brass accents evoke the grandeur of Ottoman palace furniture, while the carefully handcrafted copper panel and luxurious lacquer interior elevate the overall visual and tactile experience. Through the harmonious fusion of heritage and modernity, the sideboard design Topkapi successfully captures and celebrates the infinite beauty and mystique of Eastern culture, making the recognition received from the prestigious A' Furniture Design Award a truly deserved testament to the excellence of this remarkable piece.
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| Mark Allen |
Comment #106993 on June 21, 2025, 4:59 pm |
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The exceptional fusion of traditional woodworking techniques and contemporary technology in the award-winning sideboard "Topkapi" demonstrates remarkable creativity and craftsmanship, effectively honoring the rich heritage of Anatolian architecture and Turkish Islamic art. The intricate geometric patterns, inspired by historical motifs and thoughtfully executed with a combination of Cnc machining and meticulous handcraftsmanship, gracefully highlight the timeless beauty of Eastern ornamentation while maintaining modern elegance. Furthermore, the thoughtful incorporation of details such as brass-tipped tapered legs and the handcrafted perforated copper panel enhances the luxurious and mystical ambiance of the piece, reflecting deep historical research and a profound understanding of cultural aesthetics. The recognition of this extraordinary sideboard with the A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category is truly well-deserved, celebrating an outstanding achievement in harmoniously blending past and present design elements into a sophisticated and inspiring creation.
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| Elena Petrenko |
Comment #107409 on June 21, 2025, 8:46 pm |
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The Topkapi sideboard masterfully embodies a harmonious fusion of traditional geometric motifs and contemporary craftsmanship, exuding timeless elegance and cultural depth.
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