BenchArk: A Fusion of Art and Functionality

Yazan Hijazin's Award-Winning Design Marries Contradiction and Harmony

The BenchArk, a 3.5-meter long bench, is a standout piece in any setting due to its unconventional structure and size. The design combines the organic movements of its legs with a minimalist and modern straight line, a signature style of Hijazin. The blend of materials, including wood, bronze, and copper, adds to the bench's unique appeal. The metals, used in their real powder form, contribute to the desired look and finish of the piece while keeping costs down.

Handcrafted in a small carpentry shop in Amman, the BenchArk is a testament to Hijazin's meticulous attention to detail. The bench's seating surface is a mix of wood and a bronze-copper blend. The side view reveals a unique structure, with a wooden starting point that branches out into twin legs that flow organically close to the floor. This wooden structure embraces a 2.7-meter long straight metal seating surface that floats on top, attached to the wooden structure only at the starting and final points.

The design process was not without its challenges. Hijazin had to navigate the limitations of the local furniture design and manufacturing industry in Jordan, which lacks advanced technology and a wide variety of wood types. Despite these obstacles, Hijazin managed to create a piece that is both visually stunning and functional.

The BenchArk's design concept stems from a blend of two contradicting characteristics; motion and stillness. On one hand, the design abstractly impersonates an organic tree log that can be found in nature. On the other, it’s a resemblance of structural remains of an ancient wooden ark. The identical twin legs branch out organically holding a straight wooden line with a real bronze and copper finish.

This unique piece of furniture has not gone unnoticed in the design world. The BenchArk was awarded the Golden A' Furniture Design Award in 2012, a prestigious accolade granted to outstanding creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. The award recognizes products and ideas that advance art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.

In conclusion, Yazan Hijazin's BenchArk is a shining example of how art and functionality can coexist in a single piece of furniture. Its unique design, inspired by the contradictions and harmonies found in nature and life, makes it a standout piece in any setting. With its award-winning design, the BenchArk is a testament to Hijazin's innovative thinking and creative prowess.