Venus: A Multifunctional Cradle Furniture for Mothers and Children

Design Inspired by Ancient Iranian Venuses

Venus is a multifunctional furniture piece designed to cradle mothers and their children through all stages from pregnancy to early childhood. The project, created by Hajar Shahsavari and Golnoush Zamani, draws inspiration from the representations of femininity and motherhood in figurines of nude women, named Venus, from the Neolithic era in Tappeh Sarab, Iran.

Venus is a unique furniture design that combines the concepts of comfort, functionality, and aesthetics. It provides a comfortable area for the mother and her child, serving as both a sofa and a cradle. The oval-shaped structure, made of wood, is cut down using a CNC machine and filled with Upholstery Foam. It is then covered with fabric, giving it a sleek and modern look.

The main interaction with Venus occurs during the pregnancy period. The mother can lay down on the furniture and use the specially designed pillow behind her head to listen to the fetus's heartbeat. This not only provides physical relaxation but also creates a strong emotional bond between the mother and her baby. After giving birth, the furniture can be used as a space for both mother and newborn to sleep, feed, hug, and calm down together.

One of the key features of Venus is its versatility. It can be used as a cradle for babies up to five years old, providing a safe and comfortable space for them to rest. The fence of the cradle can be turned down to protect the baby, ensuring their safety and security.

The design of Venus was not without its challenges. The designers had to find a balance between ancient inspiration and modern needs. By highlighting the fertility touchpoints of the ancient mother statues and incorporating them into the design, they were able to create a piece of furniture that addresses the concerns of modern mothers while paying homage to the ancient symbolism of fertility and motherhood.

Venus is a testament to the timeless nature of motherhood and the importance of creating functional and aesthetically pleasing designs that cater to the needs of mothers and their children. It is a beautiful blend of ancient inspiration and modern innovation, providing a nurturing and comforting environment for both mother and child.

The Venus project started in July 2020 in Isfahan, Iran, and was completed in December 2020. It has been recognized for its excellence in design, receiving the Iron A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2022. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Golnoush Zamani and Hajar Shahsavari
Image Credits: image#1:photograpger GolnoushZamani, image#2:phptographer: Golnoush Zamani, image#3:photographer Golnoush Zamani, image#4:photographer Golnoush Zamani Video: Golnoush Zamani
Project Team Members: Hajar Shahsavari & Golnoush Zamani
Project Name: Venus
Project Client: Golnoush Zamani and Hajar Shahsavari


Venus IMG #2
Venus IMG #3
Venus IMG #4
Venus IMG #5
Venus IMG #5

Read More on Design Radiant