Shouka: A Multifunctional Bench Inspired by Ancient Persian Motifs

Transforming Resting Spaces with Innovation and Style

The Shouka bench stands out from traditional benches found in outdoor parks and indoor cultural centers. While conventional benches serve a single purpose, the Shouka bench offers a multifunctional experience. Recognizing that modern individuals seek more than just a place to sit, the designer has created a bench that caters to various needs and positions.

Arash Shojaei's design takes into account the desire to use laptops, interact with others, and experience different seating positions, such as sitting, leaning, lounging, and stretching legs. By incorporating these considerations, the Shouka bench provides users with a greater range of options compared to similar products on the market.

The Shouka bench is made primarily of concrete, utilizing a molding process to create the main module. The different parts of the bench are connected using bolts and screws. The design allows for the connection of multiple modules, enabling the creation of benches with two, three, five, or more parts. Wooden pieces fit into the concrete grooves, providing additional functionality and enhancing the bench's visual appeal.

Measuring 800mm in width, 400mm in depth, and 400mm in height, the Shouka bench is designed to fit seamlessly into various environments, both indoors and outdoors. Its L-shaped units make it easy to store with minimal space usage.

The Shouka bench's modular nature allows for endless possibilities in terms of configuration and usage. By connecting multiple units, users can create not only benches but also tables. This versatility makes the bench suitable for a wide range of spaces, including parks, cultural centers, and commercial establishments.

The design process for the Shouka bench began in December 2014 and was completed in early February 2015 in Tehran. Arash Shojaei's research focused on transforming the antelope motif into a functional seat. By applying morphology, the designer converted the round form of the motif into angular L-shaped pieces, which became the foundation of the bench's module. Further research was conducted to identify suitable connectors for converting one module into two modules in different directions. Ergonomic functions and social interactions were also considered and analyzed.

One of the main challenges in creating the Shouka bench was developing a single module with the ability to rotate in various orientations and connect seamlessly with other modules. The designer aimed to use a simple connection system to reduce production costs and facilitate assembly. The resulting module and its connections allow for unlimited expansion, ensuring the bench can be adapted to any space.

The Shouka bench has garnered recognition for its innovative design. In 2015, it was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Street and City Furniture Design category. This prestigious award celebrates well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The Shouka bench's integration of industry best practices and competent technical characteristics contribute to a better world.