One Thousand and One Nights: A Wood Vessel Design

Recycling Wood Scraps into a Stunning Art Piece

When artists work with wood, they often end up with a pile of scraps that are deemed unusable. However, Vadood and Habib saw the potential in these discarded pieces. They developed a technique called Irregular Segmenting, which involves assembling irregularly shaped wood segments to create unique patterns and textures. This method not only eliminates the need for trimming wood or using motifs but also allows for a random assemblage of colors and shapes, resulting in a visually captivating design.

To create the One Thousand and One Nights vessel, the designers first sorted the wood scraps according to their complementary colors. They then formed small sheets by arranging the scraps and built larger sheets from these smaller ones. From these sheets, discs of the desired diameter were cut and glued together to form the vessel. Finally, the entire piece was wood-turned to achieve its final shape.

The One Thousand and One Nights vessel stands at 40 cm in height and 20 cm in diameter, weighing 200 grams. Its larger cup counterpart measures 30 cm in height and 15 cm in diameter, weighing 100 grams. Additionally, a smaller cup is included, measuring 25 cm in height and 8 cm in diameter, weighing 40 grams.

While the One Thousand and One Nights design serves as a decorative object, the Irregular Segmenting technique can be applied to various artistic and industrial processes that involve wood as the main material. Its versatility and unique aesthetic make it a truly innovative approach to woodwork.

The entire project, from the development of the Irregular Segmenting technique to the creation of the One Thousand and One Nights design, took place in Tehran, Iran, in 2015. Although it has not been exhibited physically, it has gained recognition and appreciation through online platforms and social media.

The One Thousand and One Nights design required extensive research in three key areas. Firstly, understanding the mechanics of wood was crucial to ensure that pieces with similar mechanical properties could be placed together, creating a stronger structure. Secondly, knowledge of the chemistry of wood, particularly its reactions to light and aging, helped in preserving the color contrast between the different pieces. Lastly, studying the aesthetics of the wood sheet before designing allowed for the creation of harmonious circular forms.

One of the main challenges faced during the design process was finding a way to connect pieces of different sizes and shapes without compromising the overall form. The designers developed an algorithm based on the parallel sides of each piece, ensuring that they could be effectively joined together under pressure. This method not only facilitated the random presence of colors and shapes in each sheet but also encouraged creativity.

The One Thousand and One Nights design is a testament to the beauty and diversity of wood. By bringing together pieces from hundreds of different trees, Vadood and Habib have created a symbolic representation of the unity found in a forest. The warm colors and intricate patterns evoke the atmosphere of Orientalist paintings and transport viewers into the enchanting world of Arabian Nights.

This exceptional design was recognized with the Bronze A' Design Award in the Fine Arts and Art Installation Design category in 2021. This prestigious award celebrates designs that demonstrate outstanding creativity and resourcefulness, incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology. The One Thousand and One Nights design truly enriches the quality of life and contributes to making the world a better place.