We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Hamed Mahzoon about their original and creative Single Sofa design work. Hamed Mahzoon is an award-winning industrial designer, that makes our world a better place with their original single sofa works.
Hamed Mahzoon ("HM") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Crown Shell Single Sofa. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
HM : The core principle behind Crown Shell is the balance between protection and openness, strength and comfort. The design draws inspiration from natural shell structures, which simultaneously act as armor and shelter. Conceptually, the idea of a “crown” was not treated as a symbol of power, but as a structural presence that frames the user. The design explores how an object can feel both authoritative in space and intimate in use, without relying on ornamentation or excess form.
HM : The main focus was to create a seating object that communicates emotional clarity through form and material. I wanted to achieve a design that offers physical comfort while also establishing a psychological sense of enclosure and calm. Another key goal was to integrate structure, rotation, and ergonomics into a single, legible form rather than separating engineering from aesthetics.
HM : Future plans for Crown Shell involve refining it as part of a broader collection rather than treating it as a standalone piece. The concept has the potential to evolve into variations in scale, upholstery, and context of use, including lounge spaces and hospitality environments. The intention is to preserve the original concept while adapting it to different spatial narratives.
HM : The conceptual phase took several months, including sketching, form studies, ergonomic evaluations, and material research. While the visual form may appear resolved early on, a significant amount of time was dedicated to refining proportions, rotation mechanics, and the relationship between the metal frame and upholstered shell.
HM : Crown Shell was a self-initiated project driven by a personal interest in designing seating that moves beyond conventional typologies. It was not commissioned; rather, it emerged from a desire to explore how symbolism, comfort, and structure could coexist within a single object without becoming theatrical or decorative.
HM : At this stage, Crown Shell is positioned as a design concept open to collaboration with manufacturers who align with its material and production values. The design was developed with real production constraints in mind, making it suitable for future manufacturing partnerships rather than remaining purely conceptual.
HM : Seating furniture is one of the most direct interfaces between the human body and design. I was drawn to this typology because it allows for a deep exploration of ergonomics, emotion, and spatial presence. Crown Shell emerged from a desire to redefine how a chair can communicate comfort and authority simultaneously.
HM : Rather than referencing specific designers, the influence came from observing natural structures and architectural enclosures. The project is more aligned with structural logic and spatial thinking than stylistic lineage. Any influence is indirect and filtered through a contemporary design lens.
HM : The target audience includes users who value design as an experience rather than a statement. This includes high-end residential users, hospitality environments, and curated public spaces where seating is expected to offer both comfort and identity.
HM : What distinguishes Crown Shell is the way structure and upholstery are integrated into a single coherent gesture. The rotating metal frame is not hidden but celebrated as part of the form, while the upholstered shell remains visually calm and inviting. This balance between exposed strength and tactile softness defines its uniqueness.
HM : The name reflects the dual nature of the design. “Shell” refers to the protective, enveloping form inspired by nature, while “Crown” suggests structural presence and composure rather than dominance. Together, they describe an object that shelters the user while maintaining a dignified spatial identity.
HM : The process involved hand sketching, 3D modeling, and physical proportion studies. Digital tools were used to refine geometry and simulate rotation, while analog sketching helped preserve conceptual freedom in early stages.
HM : The most unique aspect is the emotional duality of the object. Crown Shell feels protective without being isolating and sculptural without being aggressive. This emotional balance is embedded in the structure itself rather than applied superficially.
HM : While the concept was developed independently, technical consultation was essential, particularly regarding structural integrity and rotational mechanisms. Collaboration with specialists ensured that the design remained grounded in real-world feasibility.
HM : Technology plays a supportive role rather than a dominant one. It enables precision in structure and movement while remaining invisible to the user. The focus was on using technology to enhance comfort and longevity, not to showcase complexity.
HM : Yes. Ergonomic research, anthropometric data, and material behavior studies informed the form and dimensions. Analytical research ensured that the emotional intent of the design translated into actual comfort and usability.
HM : One of the main challenges was maintaining visual lightness while ensuring structural stability. Balancing the weight of the metal frame with the softness of the upholstery required multiple iterations and careful proportion control.
HM : The decision came after the design reached a level of conceptual and technical clarity. Submitting Crown Shell to international competitions was a way to position it within a broader design discourse and test its relevance beyond a local context.
HM : This project reinforced the importance of restraint. Every added element must justify its existence. I also learned how subtle adjustments in proportion can dramatically affect both comfort and perception.
HM : Crown Shell represents my belief that strong design does not need to be loud. Its value lies in coherence, emotional balance, and respect for the user. It is a project that reflects my ongoing interest in how design quietly shapes human experience rather than dominating it.
