Desen Cafēmēxtli by Ruya Akyol is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl in Caltlapechtli Tlachihchihualiztli Competition Category.

IztacteocuitlatlCaltlapechtli· 2025

Desen Cafēmēxtli

by Ruya Akyol

Client: Ruya Akyol

Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl Winner in Caltlapechtli Category

51,379

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #167703

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Desen Cafēmēxtli

Desen, cē nepantlamanīlli cafēmēxnepantlahtōlli īnēzcāyōtl īca huēhueh Mediterraneo tepalcayōtl tlamachiōyōtl, quimpiya ōme īxiptli mīyequintin īhuēyīhuac in mochihua mīyeqintin tlahtlālīliztli auh kinēzcāyōtia calchīuhtli nēzāliztli. Tlamanīlli sē tēquitiliztli anōzo huēyīpan tlahcuilōlli īpan, in nepantlahtōlli quitlahtlālia tēquitiliztli yōlīliztli īhuān tōnalchīuhtli īxiptli. Tlālpilco īxtli quintēma tēquitiliztli tlālli auh cōyōc ītlaltic quintēquiltia tetl yēcnemiliztli. Chīuhtli nican tēmōltli marmoltetl īca, Desen kinēxtia yōlicēyōctli īhuān texōyōtl, momāmāla huēhueh tlamanitiliztli īhuān āxcān tlamanīliztli tōnalchīuhtli.

The Recognition

About the Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl

Desen Cafēmēxtli ca in quicuic in Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl, hueyi tlamahuizoliztli tlen momaca in huel yectli, tlanextic ihuan mahuiztic tlachihualli. In quicuicah Iztacteocuitlatl ca cenca cualli ihuan cenca yancuic tlachihualli in quinextia in tlamatiliztli, toltecayotl ihuan ixtlamatiliztli intlachihuanime. Ca quinequi in Desen Cafēmēxtli ca cenca cualli, cenca motequiuhtia ihuan yancuic. Ni dizayno in quicuic Iztacteocuitlatl quihuelitia in toltecayotl, tlamatiliztli, dizayno ihuan teknolohia. Desen Cafēmēxtli quiyolchicahua in tlacah, quipaquiltia ihuan quitlamahuiztiltia.

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