Desen Kafe Mahaia by Ruya Akyol is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award in Altzari Diseinua Competition Category.

ZilarAltzariak· 2025

Desen Kafe Mahaia

by Ruya Akyol

Client: Ruya Akyol

Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award Winner in Altzariak Category

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Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #167703

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Desen Kafe Mahaia

Desen, Mediterraneoko baldosa geometria tradizionaletan inspiratutako kafe mahai bilduma modular bat da, altuera desberdinetako bi forma dituena, konfigurazio ugari ahalbidetzen dituztenak eta estetika arkitektoniko bat eragiten dutenak. Banakako erabilerarako edo konposizio handiagoen parte gisa diseinatuta, bildumak funtzionaltasun praktikoa eta forma eskultorikoa orekatzen ditu. Gainalde barneratuek azalera praktikoak eskaintzen dituzte bitartean barruko hutsuneak materialaren eraginkortasuna hobetzen dute. Tokiko marmolez eraikia, Desenek aberastasun eta ehundura naturala aurkezten du, eragin tradizionalak eta diseinu printzipio garaikideak uztartuz.

The Recognition

About the Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award

Desen Kafe Mahaia Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award irabazlea da, goi-mailako, zoragarriak eta liluragarriak diren diseinuei ematen zaien ezohiko aitorpen prestijiotsua. Zilar-mailako irabazleak lan oso distiratsuak eta sormen biziko lanak dira, beren diseinatzaileen aditutasun, talentu eta zorroztasun nabarmenak erakusten dituztenak. Desen Kafe Mahaia erakusleiho-lan zoragarria, nabarmenki profesionala eta sakonki berritzailea izatea espero da. Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award irabazi duen diseinu hau asmakizun oso nabarmena eta miretsia da, onura ekartzen duena eta artearen, zientziaren, diseinuaren eta teknologiaren mugak zabaltzen dituena. Desen Kafe Mahaia jende askok inbidia duen sorkuntza da, desirak pizten dituena, sentimendu positiboak ekartzen dituena eta harridura eta txunditzea pizten dituena.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: Desen is a collection of modular coffee tables composed of interlocking shapes with varying heights, allowing endless combinations. Each piece functions beautifully on its own or as part of a larger composition, offering dynamic architectural aesthetics. The recessed tops provide practical surfaces, while the hollow interiors reduce material waste. Locally sourced marbles add natural richness and texture.
Dimensions & Packaging: Small Height 350 x Width 400 x Depth 400 mm
Medium Height 400 x Width 400 x Depth 400 mm
Tall Height 450 x Width 400 x Depth 400 mm
Tags: coffee tables, pattern, luxury, marble, side tables, iconic, tiles, architectural, contemporary, elegant
Production Technology: Desen tables are crafted from responsibly sourced Turkish marbles, including Travertine, Karaman Beige, Kale Bordeaux, and Afyon White. The shapes are precision-cut and hollowed to reduce weight without compromising structural integrity. The recessed surface details are carefully milled to ensure both visual elegance and functional stability for objects placed on top.
Design Challenge: The challenge was to create iconic tables that are functional both individually and as part of a set. Achieving a puzzle-like aesthetic without compromising the tables’ standalone integrity required in-depth graphic design exploration. Balancing three different heights to serve varied needs while maintaining aesthetic harmony was equally demanding, pushing the boundaries of modular table design.
Research: The design process involved extensive research into Ottoman art and Islamic geometric patterns, referencing works like Cartier and Islamic Arts. This study of historical motifs helped reinterpret traditional forms into modern, functional pieces. The research highlighted the timeless appeal of symmetry and repetition, inspiring Desen’s modular, combinable design that brings cultural richness into contemporary living.
Inspiration: Desen draws inspiration from Mediterranean motifs and traditional tile patterns, reimagined through a contemporary lens. The design reflects extensive research into historical ornamentation, showcasing how geometric forms and intricate details can create timeless elegance in modern interiors.
Project Duration: The project started in September 2023 and will be presented at Salone Satellite in April 2025 during Salone del Mobile. The pieces are getting produced in Turkey to be presented in Italy.
Operation Flow: Desen tables are designed for flexible use. Their puzzle-like forms allow users to arrange them in countless ways whether as standalone side tables, combined coffee tables, or layered compositions at varying heights. The recessed surfaces secure items like cups and decor, while the lightweight, hollow design makes rearranging effortless for dynamic spaces.
Team Members: Ruya Akyol
Image Credits: Halit Besli