Baia Sofa Bank by Ruya Akyol is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award in Zilver in Meubelontwerp Competition Category.
ZilverMeubels· 2025
Baia Sofa Bank
by Ruya Akyol
Client: Ruya Akyol Studio
A' Design Award in Zilver Winner in Meubels Category
Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #167916The Design
About Baia Sofa Bank
Baia is een multifunctionele bank die modern wonen herdefiniëert door een naadloze integratie van ontspanning en productiviteit. De elegant gebogen vorm creëert een bedvormige hoeklounge voor langdurig comfort, terwijl een smallere rugleuning een verfijnd, rechtop zitgedeelte biedt. Een discreet, geïntegreerd eiken bureau achter de rugleuning functioneert als thuiskantoor, bijzettafel of decoratieve plank. Ambachtelijke eiken details, zigzag verbindingen en afgeronde houten hoeken versterken het ontwerp, terwijl hoogwaardige Italiaanse bekleding zorgt voor een verfijnde esthetiek en langdurig comfort.
The Recognition
About the A' Design Award in Zilver
Baia Sofa Bank is winnaar van de A' Design Award in Zilver, een buitengewoon prestigieuze erkenning die wordt toegekend aan topontwerpen die prachtig en indrukwekkend zijn. Winnaars in Zilver zijn enorm briljante en uiterst creatieve werken die de uitmuntende expertise, het talent en de scherpzinnigheid van hun ontwerpers illustreren. Baia Sofa Bank wordt verwacht een prachtig paradepaardje te zijn dat opmerkelijk professioneel en diepgaand innovatief is. Dit ontwerp dat de A' Design Award in Zilver heeft gewonnen, is een hoogst opmerkelijke, bewonderde uitvinding die baat en de grenzen van kunst, wetenschap, ontwerp en technologie verlegt. Baia Sofa Bank is een zeer benijde creatie die verlangens oproept, positieve gevoelens brengt en verbazing en verwondering doet ontvlammen.
Behind the Design
Press Kit
Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.
- Unique Properties
- Baia redefines the modern sofa with a dual purpose design. Its curved backrest creates distinct zones: a spacious, lounge like corner and a narrow, upright seating area. The integrated oak desk serves as a home office, side table, or decorative shelf. The unique leg structure, with zigzag joinery and handmade rounded corners, adds sculptural elegance. Upholstered in premium fabric, Baia blends craftsmanship with contemporary living needs.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Width 2000 x Depth 1130 x Height 800 cm
- Tags
- sofa, furniture, comfortable, smart, multipurpose, versatile, cozy, seating furniture, luxury
- Production Technology
- The Baia sofa features an internal wooden frame constructed with precision joinery for structural integrity. Its distinctive oak desk and legs are crafted using traditional woodworking techniques, including hand finished rounded corners and zigzag joinery for enhanced artisanal detail. The visible leg structure is engineered for stability with minimal visual weight. Upholstery is done with high-density foam and premium fabric, ensuring durability, ergonomic comfort, and refined aesthetics.
- Design Challenge
- The biggest challenge was finding the perfect balance between elegance and multifunctionality. Designing a sofa that seamlessly serves as both a relaxing lounge and a discreet home office was complex. The desk needed to be almost invisible yet functional, without compromising comfort. This led to the idea of a flowing curve that integrates all these needs, creating a unified form where the desk blends naturally into the sofa’s silhouette, serving multiple purposes effortlessly.
- Research
- Today, our living spaces serve multiple purposes beyond hosting guests; they are places for work, reflection, relaxation, and socializing, both physically and digitally. As the centerpiece of the living room, the sofa must evolve to accommodate this shift while maintaining its role as an anchor for both comfort and style. Baia meets these modern demands with a versatile hybrid design, integrating seating and a multifunctional desk that transitions effortlessly between uses.
- Inspiration
- Baia is a furniture solution inspired by the evolving dynamics of modern life, where working from home has become part of our daily routine, and sofas serve as the centerpiece of living areas. As spaces shrink and multifunctionality becomes essential, Baia seamlessly combines a comfortable sofa with an integrated desk that functions not only as a workspace but also as a side table for moments of relaxation in the lounge like corner or as a decorative shelf in the living area. This thoughtful design underscores the balance of form and function that defines contemporary living, accommodating both productivity and comfort.
- Project Duration
- The project started in September 2024 and will be exhibited in Salone Satellite during Salone del Mobile. It is getting produced in İstanbul, and will be presented in Milan in April 2025.
- Operation Flow
- Baia is designed to adapt to different ways of living. You can lounge comfortably in the spacious, curved corner perfect for stretching out, sitting cross-legged, or cuddling. The narrower seating area is ideal for shorter, more upright interactions. The built-in oak desk behind the backrest serves as a home office, side table, or display shelf, effortlessly blending work and relaxation in one cohesive design.
- Team Members
- Ruya Akyol
- Image Credits
- Halit Besli
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