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| DESIGN DETAILS |
DESIGN NAME:
Akhalteke
PRIMARY FUNCTION:
Lounge Chair
INSPIRATION:
The design is inspired by my childhood experiences of horseback riding and my fascination with equine anatomy.
As a design student, I was drawn to the idea that saddles represent some of humanity's earliest forms of seating, dating back to the domestication of horses.
Through this design, I sought to capture the feel of both a lounge chair and the riding experience, creating a form that evokes those dual inspirations.
The name Akhal-Teke is derived from a breed of Turkmen horses.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
In the design of Akhal-Teke, my goal was to create a unique sitting experience, one that evokes the feeling we all had the first time we rode a horse. Akhal-Teke establishes a two-way interaction with the user and their experience, offering a distinctive way of sitting that the user willingly embraces.
This eagerness to experience and accept is inspired by the Form of Akhal-Teke.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION:
The Akhal-Teke is inspired by the elegance of the anatomy of the Akhal-Teke breed of Turkmen horses, striving to go beyond its purely functional concept and becoming an object with identity in space, much like a noble horse.
As a chair, Akhal-Teke offers a unique sitting experience, evoking the feeling of riding a horse for the first time. Its form creates a two-way interaction with the user, encouraging a distinctive way of sitting that is eagerly embraced.
This eagerness stems from the form of the Akhal-Teke.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION:
the project started in September 2023 in Tehran and finished in September 2024.
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY:
Furniture Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY:
For the construction of Akhal-Teke, bio-composites made from hemp or flax fibers and PLA bio-resin were considered. This combination enabled the creation of a high-quality final form with desirable finishes while offering a sustainable alternative to traditional composites like fiberglass and carbon fiber.
At the same time, these materials not only promote environmental responsibility but also reinforce a natural connection to their inspiration.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES:
Width 770mm x Depth 855mm x Height 720mm.
TAGS:
Conceptual, Lounge Chair, Lounge, Chair, Horse, Saddle
RESEARCH ABSTRACT:
The horse, one of the first domesticated animals by humans, has a deep-rooted history with mankind. Our ancestors spent a significant amount of time riding, and thus, the way of sitting on a horse became one of the most common sitting postures. In the design of Akhal-Teke, the aim is to revive this sitting posture and bring it into everyday human life; a way of sitting that is likely embedded in our historical memory and DNA.
On the other hand, in considering materials for Akhal-Teke, thorough research was conducted to ensure that sustainable and environmentally friendly options were taken into account. In this regard, the material identity chosen for Akhal-Teke is aligned with the core identity of its design.
CHALLENGE:
The primary challenge in the design process was to create a two-way experience in the act of sitting, such that the object (seat) and the subject (user) engage in a dialectical interaction with one another, transforming sitting from a passive state into an active one and allowing for a fresh understanding of the sitting experience.
The next significant challenge was to achieve a form that simultaneously incorporates both aesthetics and functionality. The design was not intended to directly reference the anatomy of a horse. Rather, the goal was to establish a subtle connection to the experience of sitting, enabling users to intuitively connect with it without relying on direct or obvious visual cues.
ADDED DATE:
2025-02-26 08:33:47
TEAM MEMBERS (1) :
IMAGE CREDITS:
Amin Mohammadyari, 2024.
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| COMMENTS |
| Giulia Esposito |
Comment #103921 on June 20, 2025, 3:21 pm |
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I am deeply impressed by the extraordinary creativity and thoughtfulness embodied in the Akhalteke lounge chair; the meticulous exploration of horseback riding history and the profound understanding of equine anatomy truly elevate the lounge chair beyond a mere piece of furniture into an immersive and dynamic seating experience. The innovative approach to reintroducing an ancient sitting posture into contemporary life demonstrates an exceptional commitment to both historical awareness and forward-thinking design. Furthermore, the thoughtful selection of sustainable bio-composite materials, such as hemp and flax fibers combined with PLA bio-resin, not only exhibits environmental responsibility but also enhances the tactile qualities and authentic connection to the original inspiration behind the Akhalteke lounge chair. Additionally, the careful consideration of form and functionality, balancing subtle references and intuitive interactions, results in a beautifully harmonious object that invites active engagement from users. This remarkable work is truly deserving of the recognition received, and I eagerly look forward to seeing future designs and inspirations from Amin Mohammadyari.
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| Chloe Turner |
Comment #104519 on June 20, 2025, 8:20 pm |
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I am genuinely delighted by the exceptional elegance and thoughtful depth embodied in the Akhalteke lounge chair, which marvelously evokes the grace and dynamism of equine anatomy while seamlessly blending the comfort and functionality associated with modern furniture design. The thoughtful interplay between the historic symbolism of horseback riding, one of humanity's earliest forms of seating, and contemporary aesthetic sensibilities is beautifully articulated in the sophisticated curves and contours of the lounge chair's form. I deeply admire the imaginative manner in which the designer has translated cherished childhood experiences and equestrian fascination into an innovative and strikingly refined piece of furniture, aptly named after the prestigious Akhal-Teke breed. Witnessing such a thoughtful and evocative creation receiving recognition in the esteemed Furniture Design category of the A' Design Award fills me with great enthusiasm and appreciation for this outstanding contribution to the field.
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| Elisabeth Clark |
Comment #105578 on June 21, 2025, 5:11 am |
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I am genuinely impressed by Amin Mohammadyari's remarkable lounge chair, Akhalteke, which thoughtfully merges the graceful elegance of equine anatomy with the fundamental principles of ergonomic furniture design, resulting in a truly innovative and captivating piece. The way Amin Mohammadyari has successfully translated the nostalgia and emotional richness of horseback riding into an everyday seating experience is truly inspiring, highlighting profound sensitivity towards human interaction and historical connection. Moreover, the careful selection of sustainable materials underscores an admirable commitment to environmental responsibility and aligns harmoniously with the conceptual depth of Akhalteke. Witnessing Amin Mohammadyari achieve recognition with the prestigious A' Design Award is immensely gratifying, as this accomplishment rightfully acknowledges the originality, creativity, and meticulous research embedded within every aspect of Akhalteke's design. I eagerly look forward to seeing more groundbreaking designs from Amin Mohammadyari in the future, as Akhalteke clearly exemplifies exceptional design excellence.
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| Adam Harris |
Comment #106133 on June 21, 2025, 9:49 am |
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Experiencing the Akhalteke lounge chair is truly inspiring, as the thoughtful integration of equestrian influences into furniture design represents a remarkable achievement in both aesthetics and ergonomic function. The manner in which the lounge chair evokes the sensation of horseback riding, tapping into deep-seated historical memories and the intuitive experience of human interaction, reflects an extraordinary depth of research and sensitivity to user engagement. The careful consideration of sustainable materials is commendable and further reinforces the meaningful connection between the object and the user, demonstrating a responsible and conscientious approach to contemporary design. The subtle yet evocative form, elegantly referencing equine anatomy without explicitly mirroring the horse's shape, shows a sophisticated understanding of design language and user psychology. I greatly admire the creativity and dedication demonstrated by Amin Mohammadyari in developing Akhalteke, a work that undeniably deserves recognition from the prestigious A' Design Award and stands as a testament to excellence in furniture design.
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| Mark Allen |
Comment #107118 on June 21, 2025, 6:02 pm |
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The Akhalteke lounge chair truly stands out as an exceptional example of innovative furniture design, seamlessly blending historical inspiration with contemporary aesthetics and functionality, making the recognition from the prestigious A' Design Award thoroughly well-deserved. The thoughtful reinterpretation of traditional horseback seating, transformed into an engaging and active sitting experience, demonstrates remarkable creativity and sensitivity toward the human experience of furniture. Moreover, the careful selection of sustainable, environmentally conscious materials further enhances the overall excellence of the Akhalteke lounge chair, highlighting a responsible and forward-thinking approach to product design. The subtle yet meaningful connection to equine anatomy and riding experiences, combined with the meticulous research and overcoming of design challenges, results in a piece that is not only visually striking but also intellectually captivating. Congratulations on this distinguished achievement in furniture design, which undoubtedly enriches the design community with originality, elegance, and thought-provoking innovation.
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