Project: Natural Synthesis Work Title: Al-Muraqabah Wal-Muhasabah Historical Context In the forest region of Africa and beyond into other regions, peoples and communities produced symbolic and allegorical artefacts. These objects were vessels of conveyance. They were also often times connected to rituals and possessed metaphysical themes. For example, the Senufo Bed (Gbag) (slide 4) which was used in funerary rituals, had to be carved in newly founded villages before funerals could be celebrated. This collection was designed in furtherance of this tradition. Visual Frame The objects were informed through repeated study of arthropods (sketches on slide 6). Bilateral symmetry, segmentation, paired jointed appendages and an exoskeleton became cues during ideation. Adult beetles in combat served as the central image (slide 5). Typology Designed close to the ground, with its core only 15cm above the floor. It seeks to reconnect users to the spiritual charge of the ground. It also avoids enthronement and levity. It’s primary function includes a central lounger, with an appended leg rest (right), which can serve as a chair of its own. Users can also lounge in opposite directions in pairs or individually. Lastly the winged seat (left), has been designed to allow its users take up lotus and other meditative seating positions. @csm_madesign