Baia Sofa Sofa by Ruya Akyol is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award Ario in Mamanu Meafale Competition Category.

ArioMeafale· 2025

Baia Sofa Sofa

by Ruya Akyol

Client: Ruya Akyol Studio

A' Design Award Ario Winner in Meafale Category

161,332
Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #167916

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Baia Sofa Sofa

O le Baia o se sofa e tele ona aoga e toe fa'atulagaina ai le olaga fa'aonaponei e ala i le tu'ufa'atasiga atoatoa o le malolo ma le galuega lelei. O lona foliga pi'o ma le matagofie e faia ai se tulimanu malolo e pei o se moega mo le mālōlō tele, a'o lona tua nofoa vaapiapi e ofoina atu ai se nofoaga tu sa'o ma le lelei. O se laulau laupapa oka lelei ma tu'ufa'atasi o lo'o tu'u i tua o le tua nofoa e galue e pei o se ofisa i le fale, laulau itu, po'o se fa'apaipa teuteu. O mea fa'apitoa o le laupapa oka fa'atufuga, fa'apipi'iga sipokopo, ma tulimanu laupapa lapotopoto e fa'aleleia atili ai le mamanu, a'o le ufiufi Italia maualuga e fa'amautu ai le matagofie lelei ma le mālōlō tumau.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Ario

O le A' Design Award Ario na manumalo ai Baia Sofa Sofa, o se faamaoniga matuā mamalu e tuuina atu i mamanu sili ona lelei, matagofie ma mataʻutia. O ē manumalo i le Ario o galuega susulu tele ma fatufatuaʻi e faaalia ai le poto, le taleni ma le atamai o tagata mamanu. E faamoemoeina Baia Sofa Sofa e avea ma galuega matagofie, o se fesuiaiga mo isi, e iloga i le tomai faapolofesa ma mea fou loloto. O lenei mamanu na manumalo i le A' Design Award Ario o se mea e iloga, ua mataʻina e aogā ma tuleia atu tapulaʻa o le faatufugaga, saienisi, mamanu ma tekonolosi. Baia Sofa Sofa o se mea e fiafia i ai le toatele, e fafagu ai manaʻoga, aumaia ai lagona lelei ma tupu ai le ofo.

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