Bronze Furniture Design · 2022
Crown Shell Single Sofa
- A' Design Award 2022 Bronze Winner in Furniture Design
- Awarded April 15, 2022
- CLIENT: Hamed Design
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 15,417
- Verification code DB6279D74D · Verify this award
About Crown Shell Single Sofa
The crown shell is a single sofa that, in addition to good appearance, also has a sense of harmony and comfort.The essence is created from its shape. Values users' emotions.Inspired by oysters and crowns with the symbol of power used is anodized metal with a black circle and crimson velvet, which makes it a unique product due to its shape. Shows the most design features in its integrity, stitching, texture and color are created and the rotating form is one of the decorative elements of the crown shell, which maintains the geometry of the oyster in the form of strength and immortality.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Shows the most unique design features in its integrity, stitching, texture and color. Ergonomics and comfort are created and the rotating form is one of the decorative elements of the crown shell, which maintains the geometry of the oyster in the form of strength and immortality.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- 1200mm x 800mm x 1450mm
- Tags
- Sofa, Crown Shell, Hamed Mahzoon, Sana JafariSharif, Relax, Sana Sharif, Comfort, Chair
- Production Technology
- Crimson velvet and wood were used to make the sofa, and black anodized metal was used to make the round ring.
- Design Challenge
- Form and comfort challenge and the circle around the sofa is designed to reach the floor. In fact it is connected from the bottom to the sole and from the top to the sofa. Create visual beauty for the environment.
- Project Duration
- The project started in October 2021 in Tehran and finished in December 2021 Tehran.
- Operation Flow
- The sofa is very soft and comfortable and provides comfort and induction for you and induces a sense of power.
- Research
- The concept used was form-shaped and had a sense of power so that the black ring around it had no contact with the ground, and according to the form, it turns it into a unique product and its eye-catching lines win the user's heart.
- Inspiration
- The essence of this name comes from power and its form, which at the same time provides a feeling of comfort. An identity that comes from the heart of a seashell. With its rotating shape and holding position, it satisfies the users sense of calm, security, harmony and beauty, and values the users feelings. Crown shell is a comfortable and stylish sofa designed with circle black anodized metal and crimson velvet that gives beauty to the space.
- Image Credits
- Hamed Mahzoon, CrownShell, 2021.
Colors of Crown Shell Single Sofa
Design Interview about Crown Shell Single Sofa
The core principle behind Crown Shell is the balance between protection and openness, strength and comfort. The design draws inspiration from natural shell structures, which simultaneously act as armor and shelter. Conceptually, the idea of a “crown” was not treated as a symbol of power, but as a structural presence that frames the user. The design explores how an object can feel both authoritative in space and intimate in use, without relying on ornamentation or excess form.
The main focus was to create a seating object that communicates emotional clarity through form and material. I wanted to achieve a design that offers physical comfort while also establishing a psychological sense of enclosure and calm. Another key goal was to integrate structure, rotation, and ergonomics into a single, legible form rather than separating engineering from aesthetics.
Future plans for Crown Shell involve refining it as part of a broader collection rather than treating it as a standalone piece. The concept has the potential to evolve into variations in scale, upholstery, and context of use, including lounge spaces and hospitality environments. The intention is to preserve the original concept while adapting it to different spatial narratives.
The conceptual phase took several months, including sketching, form studies, ergonomic evaluations, and material research. While the visual form may appear resolved early on, a significant amount of time was dedicated to refining proportions, rotation mechanics, and the relationship between the metal frame and upholstered shell.
Crown Shell was a self-initiated project driven by a personal interest in designing seating that moves beyond conventional typologies. It was not commissioned; rather, it emerged from a desire to explore how symbolism, comfort, and structure could coexist within a single object without becoming theatrical or decorative.
At this stage, Crown Shell is positioned as a design concept open to collaboration with manufacturers who align with its material and production values. The design was developed with real production constraints in mind, making it suitable for future manufacturing partnerships rather than remaining purely conceptual.
Seating furniture is one of the most direct interfaces between the human body and design. I was drawn to this typology because it allows for a deep exploration of ergonomics, emotion, and spatial presence. Crown Shell emerged from a desire to redefine how a chair can communicate comfort and authority simultaneously.
Rather than referencing specific designers, the influence came from observing natural structures and architectural enclosures. The project is more aligned with structural logic and spatial thinking than stylistic lineage. Any influence is indirect and filtered through a contemporary design lens.
The target audience includes users who value design as an experience rather than a statement. This includes high-end residential users, hospitality environments, and curated public spaces where seating is expected to offer both comfort and identity.
What distinguishes Crown Shell is the way structure and upholstery are integrated into a single coherent gesture. The rotating metal frame is not hidden but celebrated as part of the form, while the upholstered shell remains visually calm and inviting. This balance between exposed strength and tactile softness defines its uniqueness.
The name reflects the dual nature of the design. “Shell” refers to the protective, enveloping form inspired by nature, while “Crown” suggests structural presence and composure rather than dominance. Together, they describe an object that shelters the user while maintaining a dignified spatial identity.
The process involved hand sketching, 3D modeling, and physical proportion studies. Digital tools were used to refine geometry and simulate rotation, while analog sketching helped preserve conceptual freedom in early stages.
The most unique aspect is the emotional duality of the object. Crown Shell feels protective without being isolating and sculptural without being aggressive. This emotional balance is embedded in the structure itself rather than applied superficially.
While the concept was developed independently, technical consultation was essential, particularly regarding structural integrity and rotational mechanisms. Collaboration with specialists ensured that the design remained grounded in real-world feasibility.
Technology plays a supportive role rather than a dominant one. It enables precision in structure and movement while remaining invisible to the user. The focus was on using technology to enhance comfort and longevity, not to showcase complexity.
Yes. Ergonomic research, anthropometric data, and material behavior studies informed the form and dimensions. Analytical research ensured that the emotional intent of the design translated into actual comfort and usability.
One of the main challenges was maintaining visual lightness while ensuring structural stability. Balancing the weight of the metal frame with the softness of the upholstery required multiple iterations and careful proportion control.
The decision came after the design reached a level of conceptual and technical clarity. Submitting Crown Shell to international competitions was a way to position it within a broader design discourse and test its relevance beyond a local context.
This project reinforced the importance of restraint. Every added element must justify its existence. I also learned how subtle adjustments in proportion can dramatically affect both comfort and perception.
Crown Shell represents my belief that strong design does not need to be loud. Its value lies in coherence, emotional balance, and respect for the user. It is a project that reflects my ongoing interest in how design quietly shapes human experience rather than dominating it.
Grand Interview about Crown Shell Single Sofa
The Crown Shell emerged from the seamless integration of natural oyster-inspired geometry with the concept of power. The geometric form captures the oyster’s protective yet inviting nature, while the crimson hue symbolizes strength and passion. The rotating structure embodies fluidity, offering a unique balance of strength, comfort, and visual harmony during the design process.
The materials were selected for their tactile and visual impact. Crimson velvet offers a luxurious and soft texture, invoking warmth and elegance, while the black anodized metal adds a sleek, modern contrast that enhances durability. Together, they create a balance of strength and comfort, enriching the user experience through both aesthetics and touch.
The rotating form, combined with the suspended black metal ring, symbolizes fluidity and timeless motion. The hovering design ensures visual lightness, while structural integrity is achieved through precision engineering. This dynamic form evokes feelings of liberation and harmony, creating a deeply immersive emotional experience for the user.
Balancing form and comfort was critical to the sofa's success. While its shell-inspired design prioritizes aesthetics, the ergonomic curvature ensures user comfort. The challenge lay in maintaining visual elegance without compromising usability, a harmony that ultimately earned the Bronze A’ Design Award recognition.
Features like the enveloping shape, plush velvet upholstery, and gentle rotation foster a sense of security and calmness. The shell-like design cradles the user, creating a harmonious environment that resonates emotionally. The chair’s geometry and materials were chosen to inspire tranquility and timelessness.
The distinctive stitching and textural details emphasize precision and refinement. These elements mimic the intricate beauty of natural shells while reinforcing the theme of strength. This attention to detail not only reflects power but also enhances comfort and tactile pleasure, embodying the chair’s essence.
Collaboration with Sana JafariSharif introduced critical insights into material selection and structural balance. The emphasis on geometric forms, inspired by the timeless strength of oysters, shaped the aesthetic and functional qualities. Her input was pivotal in aligning the design’s strength and immortality with the user’s emotional experience.
The design process began with conceptual sketches and inspiration from seashells in October 2021. Prototyping refined the ergonomics and material contrasts in November, while December focused on finalizing structural stability and detailing. This iterative approach ensured the design's seamless blend of form and functionality.
The dimensional configuration ensures ergonomic comfort and a commanding presence. The 1200mm width and 1450mm height envelop the user, offering security, while the 800mm depth creates an intimate seating space. These proportions reinforce both physical ease and emotional resonance, enhancing the overall user experience.
This design redefines how furniture connects with emotions and functionality. By prioritizing user harmony, future innovations can explore more immersive experiences, emphasizing tactile interactions and dynamic forms. The Crown Shell paves the way for emotionally connected designs in contemporary furniture.