Archie: A Chair Inspired by Islamic Architecture

A Unique Wire Chair Design by Ahmad Mirjani

The Archie chair, designed by Ahmad Mirjani, is a stunning example of how art, architecture, and design can come together to create a unique and functional piece of furniture. Mirjani's exploration of the history of wire chairs and their dependence on the movement of lines led to the inspiration of using lines inspired by Islamic architecture.

The chair's design is heavily influenced by the arches and geometric patterns found in Islamic architecture, particularly the art of Girih tiles. Mirjani has successfully revived these elements and adapted them to modern life, resulting in a chair that not only impresses with its unique form but also adds a touch of cultural richness to any space.

One of the key strengths of the Archie chair is its potential for mass customization. With a variety of patterns available, each chair can be tailored to suit individual preferences and design aesthetics. This level of customization allows the chair to seamlessly integrate into any environment, be it a contemporary office or a cozy living room.

The realization of the Archie chair involves the use of welded steel wire for the seat components. The wires are cut to predetermined sizes and bent without the need for any heating process. Some components require manual bending, as machine bending is not possible. To enhance durability, the wires can be coated with chrome or rilson (nylon 11), making the chair resistant to moisture and rust, and suitable for outdoor use.

Measuring 520mm in length, 470mm in width, and 800mm in height, the Archie chair combines form and function seamlessly. Its unique design, inspired by Islamic architecture, creates a visual impact that is both striking and elegant.

The Archie chair's interaction with users is characterized by its impressive geometric patterns and clever use of negative space, which conveys a sense of lightness. The chair not only provides a comfortable seating experience but also serves as a conversation starter and a piece of art in its own right.

The design project for the Archie chair began in January 2021 in Isfahan, Iran, and was completed in April 2021. Throughout the process, Mirjani conducted extensive research on furniture history, specifically mid-century modern style, which served as the foundation for the wire chair design. The incorporation of arches and girih tiles from Islamic architecture added a unique and culturally significant touch to the project.

Overcoming the challenges of designing a wire chair that relies heavily on lines required careful consideration and integration of the design elements. Mirjani aimed to achieve an integrated structure that would result in a new style of wire chairs, and the Archie chair successfully accomplishes this goal.

The Archie chair, designed by Ahmad Mirjani, is a testament to the power of inspiration and cultural influence in design. By combining elements from Islamic architecture with modern aesthetics, Mirjani has created a chair that not only provides functionality but also serves as a work of art. The Archie chair was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2022, recognizing its well-designed, practical, and innovative qualities that meet professional and industrial requirements.