Nastaran Khanzade · CLIENT: Rendi
Seylan is a sofa set designed for contemporary living spaces. The form is inspired by the flowing curves of Persian Nastaliq calligraphy. Continuous lines and soft curves replace sharp angles, so the sofa set appears sculptural from every side. The structure is made of solid wood, shaped by CNC cutting and then carved, sanded and finished by hand. The seating is built from layered high-density foam with fabric upholstery, and the curves guide a comfortable posture. The set includes a single seater and a three seater. The intent is to bring a traditional craft into modern interiors.
Press Kit
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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