Skip to content
Seylan Sofagarnitur by Nastaran Khanzade

Seylan Sofagarnitur by Nastaran Khanzade is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award in Silber in Möbeldesign Competition Category.


SilberMöbel· 2026

Seylan Sofagarnitur

by Nastaran Khanzade

Client: Rendi

A' Design Award in Silber Winner in Möbel Category

Colors

The Design

About Seylan Sofagarnitur

Seylan ist eine Sofagarnitur für zeitgenössische Wohnräume. Die Form ist von den fließenden Rundungen der persischen Nastaliq-Kalligrafie inspiriert. Durchgehende Linien und weiche Kurven ersetzen scharfe Winkel, sodass die Sofagarnitur aus jedem Blickwinkel skulptural wirkt. Die Struktur besteht aus Massivholz, das per CNC-Fräsung geformt und anschließend von Hand geschnitzt, geschliffen und veredelt wird. Die Sitzfläche ist aus mehrlagigem Hochdichteschaum mit Stoffbezug aufgebaut, wobei die Rundungen zu einer bequemen Sitzhaltung führen. Die Garnitur umfasst einen Einsitzer und einen Dreisitzer. Die Absicht ist es, ein traditionelles Handwerk in moderne Innenräume zu bringen.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award in Silber

Seylan Sofagarnitur ist Gewinner des A' Design Award in Silber, einer enorm prestigeträchtigen Anerkennung für erstklassige, großartige und beeindruckende Spitzendesigns. Silber-Gewinner sind ungemein brillante und äußerst kreative Werke, die die herausragende Expertise, das Talent und den Scharfsinn ihrer Designer veranschaulichen. Von Seylan Sofagarnitur wird erwartet, dass es ein wunderbares Vorzeigewerk ist, das bemerkenswert professionell und zutiefst innovativ ist. Dieses mit dem A' Design Award in Silber prämierte Design ist eine höchst bemerkenswerte, bewunderte Erfindung, die den Grenzen von Kunst, Wissenschaft, Design und Technologie zugutekommt und sie voranbringt. Seylan Sofagarnitur ist eine vielbeneidete Schöpfung, die Wünsche weckt, positive Gefühle vermittelt und Staunen und Verwunderung entfacht.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties
What sets this design apart is its ability to translate intangible rhythm into physical design. Unlike conventional modular or geometric sofas, this piece is born of movement; an uninterrupted gesture that echoes the energy of writing. It is not only functional but also emotionally resonant, rooted in Iranian visual culture yet universal in elegance.
Dimensions & Packaging
Single Seater Dimensions:
W 85 cm × D 75 cm × H 75 cm

Three Seater Dimensions:
W 210 cm × D 80 cm × H 75 cm

Materials:
Solid Wood Structure, High-Density Foam, Fabric Upholstery

Production Technique:
CNC Machining Combined With Hand Carving And Finishing

Packaging:
Protective Wrapping With Padded Corners, Suitable For International Shipping
Tags
Furniture Design, Modern Sofa, Sculptural Furniture, Fluid Form, Ergonomic Seating, CNC Woodwork, Handmade Finish, Minimal Form, Contemporary Design, Iranian Design, Artistic Furniture, Flowing Lines, Organic Shape, Calligraphy Inspired, One-Piece Form, Seamless Design
Production Technology
The structure of the sofa set is crafted through a combination of CNC precision cutting and traditional hand-carving techniques. Solid wood is sculpted to achieve the flowing, calligraphy-inspired curves, then meticulously sanded and finished by hand to enhance its tactile and visual elegance. The seating is constructed using high-density foam layered for ergonomic comfort, upholstered with carefully selected fabric to complement the organic form. This blend of digital accuracy and artisanal craftsmanship allows the piece to maintain both structural integrity and sculptural fluidity.
Design Challenge
One of the key challenges was creating a unified and continuous form that feels both sculptural and inviting. The design process involved extensive studies to develop a shape that maintains visual fluidity from every angle while also functioning as ergonomic seating. Preserving the harmony between curves, ensuring structural integrity, and integrating all parts into a seamless whole required a careful balance between digital precision and handcrafted sensitivity. Achieving this unity while working within material and production limitations was a central creative and technical effort.
Research
This design explores the integration of traditional Persian calligraphy, specifically the fluid curves of the Nasta'liq script, into contemporary furniture design. The form is characterized by a seamless, organic flow without sharp angles, reflecting the graceful and harmonious movement of the Nasta'liq lines. The absence of rigid structures emphasizes comfort, fluidity, and elegance, creating a unified form that adapts to both functional and aesthetic needs. The design aims to bring cultural heritage into the modern living space, bridging the gap between timeless artistry and modern design principles. Through this project, I seek to create a piece of furniture that not only serves as a functional object but also as a work of art that carries the essence of Persian craftsmanship into contemporary contexts.
Inspiration
The core inspiration for this design is “Seylan” (the fluid, continuous motion that defines the elegance of Persian Nastaliq calligraphy). In Nastaliq, letters do not simply sit beside each other; they flow with grace, as if carried by a silent internal rhythm. This flowing quality is not just visual; it is deeply emotional, creating a sense of calm movement.
This sofa seeks to capture that motion in space. Its seamless form, soft curves, and uninterrupted structure reflect the essence of Seylan.
Project Duration
The project began in January 2025 and was completed in April 2025. The prototype was designed and built in Mashhad, Iran, at the Rendi Furniture Factory.
Operation Flow
The user engages with the sofa through intuitive physical interaction; by sitting, leaning, or resting. The flowing curves naturally guide the posture, offering comfort without requiring adjustment. The tactile quality of the carved wood and the softness of the fabric enhance the sensory experience. Beyond seating, the piece invites visual interaction, encouraging users to move around it, observe its lines, and feel its sculptural presence in the space.

Sponsored

Explore Beyond Designers.org

Discover products, services and opportunities from our advertising partners.

Good Design Deserves Great Recognition

Nominate Your Work for the A' Design Award.

Nominate