Inspired by the installation at the last Sharjah Architecture Triennial, the collection “Aš-Šārqia” emerges from the unique alliance of two often underestimated and unknown materials: threaded rods, emblems of hardware, and thread spools, forgotten remnants of textile factories.

Shaped by the designer’s hands, these materials metamorphose into a series of ethereal furniture, revealing their structure simply through their glass tops. “Aš-Šārqia” thus offers a sensitive and poetic interpretation of this union, where each piece seems sublimated by the marriage of aesthetics and functionality.

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Photo credits :  Mehdi Ben Temessek

Materials
Threaded Rods: Structural elements sourced from hardware stores.
Thread Spools: Textural components reclaimed from waste materials sourced from local textile workshops and factories.

Modularity and Flexibility
The system allows for the creation of numerous models, with all pieces being demountable and re-assemblable indefinitely. This modularity ensures that the furniture can adapt to changing needs and environments.
In addition to the existing pieces, the collection plans to introduce new models as distribution networks are established. With nearly 50 color options available for the thread spools, customers will have the opportunity to customize their furniture to suit their preferences and interiors.

Community Engagement
By providing open-source technical guidelines and encouraging individuals to source materials independently, such as thread spools, the project promotes a culture of self-sufficiency and creative empowerment. During workshops, participants learn how to assemble and customize the furniture models, fostering a sense of ownership and pride within the community.
This approach prioritizes the reappropriation of models and encourages individuals to take control of their own furniture-making process, promoting sustainable practices and skills development.

Genesis
The myth of the Ship of Theseus is a Greek legend that raises philosophical questions about personal identity and the concept of change. It is often used to explore concepts such as continuity, transformation, and memory.
Thread spools are coming from the waste of fabric factories and are a part of a circular economy; thread rods are coming from hardware stores. Both have great aesthetic and poetic potential but are often disregarded and sold at low prices.
By utilizing two types of materials, the installation aims to create architectural designs that change the way we perceive the intrinsic value of waste materials and resist the norm of waste culture.