AYIHA or THE REUNION OF THE ELDERLY
Prize(s):
Honorable Mention 2026 PRODUCT DESIGN / Furniture & Lighting
School / University Name:Africa Design School
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Hétchais Amon Reiyel TOMEDE
Professor Name(s):Coraline GUERRIAU
Project Location:Benin
Design Status:Concept
Product Description:
Inspired by the Kongo cosmogram (Dikenga), which represents the center of life and the four cardinal directions, AYIHA is a piece of furniture based on an African principle of centrality, reflecting the symbolic crossroads of the Kongo cosmogram. A central structure organizes its uses around it. AYIHA conceives of furniture as a space for convergence and connection, not as an isolated object. Composed of a central tabletop incorporating several storage compartments and seating, AYIHA can be transformed depending on its orientation. It can thus serve as a medium-sized table or a large table with a central pedestal base. Versatile, it integrates equally well on its own or in a living room.
Inspired by the Kongo cosmogram (Dikenga), which represents the center of life and the four cardinal directions, AYIHA is a piece of furniture based on an African principle of centrality, reflecting the symbolic crossroads of the Kongo cosmogram. A central structure organizes its uses around it. AYIHA conceives of furniture as a space for convergence and connection, not as an isolated object. Composed of a central tabletop incorporating several storage compartments and seating, AYIHA can be transformed depending on its orientation. It can thus serve as a medium-sized table or a large table with a central pedestal base. Versatile, it integrates equally well on its own or in a living room.
Product Innovation / Specification:
In a broad sense, it can serve as a display object or, in a living room, it can also serve as a medium-sized table or a medium to large-sized pedestal table.
In a broad sense, it can serve as a display object or, in a living room, it can also serve as a medium-sized table or a medium to large-sized pedestal table.
Product Sustainability Approach:
The materials chosen are of plant origin, derived from raw materials, worked by impact and varnishing.
The materials chosen are of plant origin, derived from raw materials, worked by impact and varnishing.
Local and Regional Impacts of the Product:
Sustainable, ecological, functional and ethical.
Sustainable, ecological, functional and ethical.
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Hétchais Amon Reiyel TOMEDE
Previous Awards Won:
Aucune
Aucune
