Ring: A Da Vinci-Inspired Bookshelf by Rama Akel

Combining Art, Architecture, and Functionality in a Unique Design

The Ring is a standout piece of furniture that brings together art, architecture, and functionality. It is not just a bookshelf, but a work of art that serves as a reminder of the Golden Ratio's impact on monumental architecture worldwide. The design is a silhouette of Da Vinci's Vitruvian Man, orchestrated by copper rods, and functions as a keeper of knowledge.

What sets the Ring apart from other bookshelves is its unique construction. A metal sheet is manually bent into a perfect ring to form the main structure, fixed on a solid wooden base. Brass rods, equally distributed and fixed to the base, complete the Golden Ratio shape. The rods go through holes in three of the five shelves, while the other two shelves are held by bent rods that do not reach the top of the square.

The Ring was conceived in Amman, Jordan, and launched in November 2019 at Downtown Design Week in Dubai. The manufacturing process took approximately three months, following a basic sketch made in April 2019. The design team included Rama Akel, Shamel Shoupash, Zain Alsubani, and Koujan Sharkas.

Creating the Ring was not without its challenges. The first was ensuring the circular shape held without obvious support. This was solved by adding two slim perpendicular rings at both ends of the main frame set to the inside. The second challenge was seamlessly carrying the wooden shelves without disrupting the Da Vinci ratio. This was overcome by fixing the brass rods to the base and making them go through consistent holes in three of the wooden shelves. The other two shelves were carried on bent rods that did not make it to the top of the square without compromising the overall ratio.

The Ring is more than just a bookshelf; it is a statement piece that interacts with both the space and the user. It can be placed against a wall or beautifully separate two spaces in a subtle way. The Ring was awarded Silver in A' Furniture Design Award in 2021, a testament to its outstanding design and innovation.