charles kalpakian: middle east furniture collection

‘furniture collection’ by charles kalpakian

designer charles kalpakian of french design firm darenart presents his quest for the essence of the artisan as expressed in the islamic artistic traditions revitalized through the use of contemporary materials and a fusion of different techniques. the three roots of his work – france, lebanon and street art culture – are thus aligned with geometric, ornamental and iconic patterns.

the geometric motifs on the intertwined arches of the ‘ahlan’ bench and the ‘hawa’ screen blends oriental language with contemporary lines. the desert wind appears to have shaped the oblong panels of the screen, whilst their colours draw their natural shades from the eastern sky and sea. the arches are shaped in order to obtain a uniform lacquered assembly without screws, and is repeated on the bench fabric.

a modular assemblage system enables this bench to be adapted as required: the arms open out towards other benches in order to be sociable, or close like a case for a moment of peace and quiet. the suspended ‘nour’ are magic lanterns casting their geometrical and oriental shadows, one evening summer in the heart of the mountains of jabal.

ahlan seat made with wood and fabric

ahlan seat second color version

ahlan, close up of folding system

ahlan seat with armchair

hawa folding screen made of wood

close up of hawa

nour hanging or as a floor light

made from wood and metal

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here