Alov: The Incense Holder Redefining Aromatherapy

Arman Khadangan's Alov Merges Art with Incense Utility

Conceived from the shortcomings of conventional incense holders, Alov is a testament to the transformative power of design. Khadangan's inspiration draws from the organic intricacies of the Morchella esculenta mushroom and the ornate details of the 13th-century Aslanhane Mosque. Central Asian door patterns also play a role in shaping this unique piece. The psychological benefits of incense—its ability to foster positive energy and alleviate stress—were pivotal in the design process, leading to a holder that not only captivates the senses with its design but also enhances the incense experience through controlled smoke diffusion.

Distinct from its peers, Alov's 3D printed structure is a marvel of design and safety. The lattice work, reminiscent of metallic patterns, channels the smoke through optimized paths, ensuring a cooler, more dispersed aromatic journey. This process, born from iterative modeling and testing, marries aesthetic elegance with practicality, transforming the act of burning incense into a contemplative art form.

The Alov holder is a product of cutting-edge technology, with its intricate lattices designed using advanced CAD software. Each segment is precision-engineered to cool and diffuse the smoke, crafted through the precision of metal 3D printing. This meticulous process ensures that the holder's beauty is matched by its performance.

Technical prowess is evident in the Alov's specifications: a 66mm diameter, 200mm height, and a lattice with openings from 0.5 to 4mm. The incense stick holder, with a 10mm diameter and a 14mm height, features a 2.5mm central hole. The design also boasts high heat resistance and a modular assembly, ensuring safety and stability.

Using Alov is an exercise in simplicity and safety. The holder, placed on a flat surface, secures the incense stick within its hollow top. Upon lighting, the smoke elegantly ascends through the lattice, cooling and diffusing in a mesmerizing pattern. The base's design ensures the holder remains upright, mitigating spillage and fire risks, while the dispersed smoke elevates the aromatherapy experience.

From September 2023 to February 2024, Ankara, Türkiye, served as the cradle for Alov's development. This period marked a journey from concept to reality, driven by exploratory design research focused on revolutionizing the incense holder's form and function. The research combined a literature review, market analysis, and design exploration, utilizing CAD software to navigate the intricate design process.

Overcoming the challenge of marrying form with function, the Alov incense holder emerged as a harmonious blend of art and utility. The creative journey involved overcoming metal 3D printing limitations and adhering to safety standards, all while drawing from historical and social influences to inform design choices.

The Alov Incense Holder, a Bronze winner in the A' Decorative Items and Homeware Design Award 2024, is not only a functional accessory but also a statement piece that enhances any space with its presence. With a design patent application filed with the Turkish Patent Institute, Alov is protected intellectual property, poised to revolutionize the way incense is experienced.