We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Yazan Hijazin about their original and creative Bench design work. Yazan Hijazin is an award-winning industrial designer, that makes our world a better place with their original bench works.
Yazan Hijazin ("YH") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work BenchArk Bench. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
YH : My inspiration for this piece comes from the space it was designed for; an Art Gallery. It’s the only piece of furniture that was made for the gallery visitors to set on and enjoy the various paintings that are hung over the gallery’s walls which are constantly changing according to artists’ work on exhibition. Therefore, I wanted the only piece of furniture to be on the same level of its surroundings; creative and unique while keeping its main function. On the other hand, people of different backgrounds will be using the bench, and I always have been fascinated by one common element in people-no matter where they come from; contradiction. Contradiction is a sign of maturity I strongly believe. Hence I wanted my piece to have such a trait as well, as a result, I chose to work on a unique blend of motion and stillness.
YH : In general, I wanted to create a whole new design for a bench, impressing my client, and all potential visitors to the Gallery. In particular, I wanted to create a versatile design. I presented this version with wood, bronze and copper finish. If I can get an international chance to produce this design with a proper manufacturer, I can present BenchArk in other materials and on different scales. I can see the wooden part replaced with old antique-finish silver while the current metal part can be made of either traditional fabrics or even burgundy modern finished wood. Creating a design that can be equally good with different materials is an obsession of mine, I guess.
YH : Initially it was designed for Orient gallery. Now it’s a Golden Award winner. I hope I will cross paths with the right partner. The more international the better.
YH : It’s my first time ever to design a bench. I presented three options for my client, and I was hoping for BenchArk to be selected, which they did. It took me 21 days to develop a concept and a hand-made model.
YH : It was a commission by Orient Gallery based in Amman-Jordan. The design was made to inspire.
YH : I am open to suggestions and collaborations. Some offers are on the table. Whatever is the best for BenchArk, I’ll do it.
YH : Actually none. It all came out of my head. I tell you this; I have been surprising myself a lot since I stepped into this field. I am the hardest boss on myself. I want to get more chances to prove to myself first and everyone else second that an anonymous Jordanian designer can be a world-wide known. Hence my brand: Anknownymous.
YH : Thank you for this question. I strongly believe that BenchArk can be a unique piece in a hotel lobby, a lounge, a villa, a palace or even any spacious interiors. If I get the chance to reproduce BenchArk internationally, I have already thought of some interesting modification to make it even close to a platinum award ;).
YH : Many factors on the design level; its structural design, size, and the blend of materials it is made of. The unconventional structure of BenchArk design comes on top, in my opinion. It’s a different bench structure that blends organic movements of its legs with a minimalist and modern straight line. As in most of my collection pieces I work with both modern and minimalist aspects and combine them with contemporary classic curves. Its length, 3.5 meters, is above average which imposes strong presence and demands attention, even in a space that’s filled with high quality art. Finally the mixture of materials between wood and bronze and copper is somehow original, especially that the metals have been used in their real powder form which was a very conscious way of reaching the desired look and finish of bronze and copper using a fraction of the cost compared to using the actual metal sheet format. This bench was designed by a Jordanian investment banker! and it wasn’t produced by a large size manufacturer, on the contrary, it is a hand-made piece at a small carpentry shop in Amman.
YH : I was designing a bench that I wanted it to be the benchmark for all other benches. The design resembles an abstract of structural remains of an ancient wooden ark. Having said so, the name as is, is a random suggestion of a very close friend of mine through a brainstorming session in order to find the right name. The moment he said BenchArk, I knew I not only have a unique design, but also the perfect name.
YH : I started with hand sketches then a hand-made model using aluminum foil, isolation sheets, golden tape and some pins. And after client approval, I made an AutoCad file for the side prospective in order to help the carpenter in cutting the wood as per the unconventional lines of the bench.
YH : A design that radiates contradiction between motion and stillness yet is in full harmony. BenchArk is a blend between art and function, therefore it demands attention
YH : First challenge was to have such a commission in the first place, taking my none-design background into account. Second, finding the right level of know-how among the local craftsmanship taking the very basic furniture design/manufacturing industry in Jordan into consideration was very challenging, especially when it comes to bespoke design. Jordan design industry doesn’t use proper 3d computerized machines, no single Laser cut machine exist and not to mention very limited wood suppliers with little varieties of wood types. The concept of a prototype means a waste of money and time for most carpenters; the small-sized carpenters would be afraid of taking such an assignment, and the big guys find it financially very unrewarding. Finally it wasn’t easy, execution wise, to apply more than 2.5 Kg of real metal powder of bronze and cooper in order to reach the final desired finish/look.
YH : I will always be looking for the right international award to participate in. I am looking for an international exposure. I have big dreams and I am only driven by passion and raw talent.
YH : The self satisfaction that I got when my client saw the bench for the first time has emphasized my belief that exceeding a client’s expectation is a very rewarding strategy. The relationship that arises between me and the bench from concept to realization has enriched me on all fronts. Last but not least, I was extremely lucky to have such a client as Orient Gallery. Mrs. Hala Jardaneh, the owner, has left me absolute freedom to execute my vision, the only restriction was 3.5 meter long bench. A designer rarely comes across such a client. This unique situation has unleashed a higher level of creativity and made me capable of transforming my mental images into reality. This, I believe, has led me to win a Golden Award. I am so grateful.
YH : Yes, I feel obliged to thank some key people who have supported me on various fronts. First my client, Orient Gallery represented by Mrs. Hala Jardaneh, the amazing professional carpenter Mr. Yousef Tahhan, Mrs. Rania Omaish, editor in chief for Trendesign Magazin, the talented photographer Miss Linda Khouri , and my family and close friends for their continuous support, in particular I would like to thank Noura and Sami.
