Guftaguu: An Adaptive Seating System that Mimics Conversation

Raza Zahid's Award-Winning Design Offers Fluidity and Interaction in Public Spaces

The name 'Guftaguu' is an Urdu term that translates to 'the gentle art of conversation'. This concept is reflected in the design's ability to mimic both introverted and extroverted compositions, similar to the varying dynamics of human interaction. The seating system consists of three rotating seats, each with two wooden discs, allowing for a wide range of configurations and facilitating multiple types of interactions between its users.

Guftaguu's unique properties lie in its adaptability. Unlike most public spaces that contain static furniture, this seating system offers flexibility and encourages interaction. Users can manually rotate the seats 360 degrees horizontally in both directions, enabling them to face multiple directions and interact with each other in various ways.

The design process for Guftaguu was a meticulous one, beginning in Lahore, Pakistan in Autumn 2016. Zahid's team spent the initial three months on the design phase, with the first prototype produced in December 2016. After several design modifications to ensure durability, strength, and comfort, the final design was produced in March 2017.

Zahid's design was not without its challenges. The team had to understand the possibilities and limitations of the adaptive system, maintain visual lightness while ensuring strength and stability, and respect the construction techniques and technology available in Pakistan. Despite these hurdles, Guftaguu emerged as a successful design, winning the Silver A' Furniture Design Award for its outstanding expertise and innovation.

Guftaguu's adaptive nature, combined with its ability to facilitate interaction, makes it an ideal choice for public waiting areas and open parks. Its dimensions fluctuate between 86” to 45” in length and 58” to 26” in width depending on the configuration of the seats. Constructed from powder-coated steel frame, the seating system is adaptable for multiple user groups and scenarios.

With Guftaguu, Raza Zahid has truly captured the essence of conversation in a physical form. This design is a testament to Zahid's commitment to creating interactive designs that not only serve their functional purpose but also bring joy to its users. It's a celebration of the fluidity of form, movement, and interaction, and a shining example of innovation in public furniture design.