Aya Collection
Prize(s):
WINNER 2026 PRODUCT DESIGN / Eco Design | PRODUCT DESIGN / Furniture & Lighting
Company Name:Theurbanative
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Mpho Vackier
Design Team / Other designer(s):TheUrbanative
Other Contributor(s):Avoova
Manufacturer Name:TheUrbanative
Photo Credit:Ryan Abbotts
Project Location:South Africa
Design Status:Commercialized
Website: View
Video URL:View
Product Description:
The Aya Collection A contemporary conversation between heritage, materiality and form The Aya Collection explores how stories shape form and how objects can carry memory, meaning and belonging. Inspired by the Adinkra symbol Aya meaning “fern” in Akan, it draws from West African traditions where philosophy and design intertwine. The fern, known for thriving in difficult conditions, symbolizes resilience, resourcefulness and endurance, embodying the human ability to rise, adapt and flourish. Across the collection Aya becomes a design methodology guiding proportion, texture and structure. Geometry and rhythm evolve into a living language where heritage informs modern form. Powder coated steel offers strength and refinement, hand-laid ostrich eggshell brings texture and renewal, brass accents add warmth and precision, and timber grounds the pieces in nature. Balancing technology and craft, laser cut steel and CNC formed timber meet hand finished materials to create pieces that hold both structure and individuality. The result is a study in proportion, balance and quiet strength that reflects resilience, refinement, tradition and innovation.
The Aya Collection A contemporary conversation between heritage, materiality and form The Aya Collection explores how stories shape form and how objects can carry memory, meaning and belonging. Inspired by the Adinkra symbol Aya meaning “fern” in Akan, it draws from West African traditions where philosophy and design intertwine. The fern, known for thriving in difficult conditions, symbolizes resilience, resourcefulness and endurance, embodying the human ability to rise, adapt and flourish. Across the collection Aya becomes a design methodology guiding proportion, texture and structure. Geometry and rhythm evolve into a living language where heritage informs modern form. Powder coated steel offers strength and refinement, hand-laid ostrich eggshell brings texture and renewal, brass accents add warmth and precision, and timber grounds the pieces in nature. Balancing technology and craft, laser cut steel and CNC formed timber meet hand finished materials to create pieces that hold both structure and individuality. The result is a study in proportion, balance and quiet strength that reflects resilience, refinement, tradition and innovation.
Product Innovation / Specification:
Innovation as a Living System Guided by Heritage and Materiality The Aya Collection redefines innovation as a living system that evolves through discovery and collaboration. Guided by the logic of the Aya fern, it translates the symbol’s philosophy of resilience and renewal into structure, proportion and material expression. Technology and craft converge to form an open design language that is precise yet human, adaptable yet consistent. Modern fabrication methods like laser cutting and CNC forming meet tactile processes such as hand laid eggshell mosaic, metal finishing and timber detailing. Each junction balances efficiency with artistry, creating objects that are technically refined and emotionally resonant. Materiality drives this quiet innovation. Recycled steel provides structure, reclaimed ostrich eggshell introduces texture and light, brass connects warmth and longevity and timber restores organic balance. The result is a cohesive system that transforms cultural heritage into contemporary form, demonstrating that African design can be forward looking while remaining rooted in identity, meaning and continuity.
Innovation as a Living System Guided by Heritage and Materiality The Aya Collection redefines innovation as a living system that evolves through discovery and collaboration. Guided by the logic of the Aya fern, it translates the symbol’s philosophy of resilience and renewal into structure, proportion and material expression. Technology and craft converge to form an open design language that is precise yet human, adaptable yet consistent. Modern fabrication methods like laser cutting and CNC forming meet tactile processes such as hand laid eggshell mosaic, metal finishing and timber detailing. Each junction balances efficiency with artistry, creating objects that are technically refined and emotionally resonant. Materiality drives this quiet innovation. Recycled steel provides structure, reclaimed ostrich eggshell introduces texture and light, brass connects warmth and longevity and timber restores organic balance. The result is a cohesive system that transforms cultural heritage into contemporary form, demonstrating that African design can be forward looking while remaining rooted in identity, meaning and continuity.
Product Sustainability Approach:
Circular Design Grounded in Cultural Responsibility Sustainability in the Aya Collection is a foundation built on responsibility to materials, people and place. Every decision reflects care, longevity and respect. Recycled steel provides strength and recyclability, reclaimed ostrich eggshell transforms waste into fine mosaic, brass ensures durability and timber is responsibly sourced from FSC certified suppliers. Low VOC and water based finishes promote healthier making. The collection embodies circular design, with components made for refinement and reuse to reduce waste and extend life. This approach values slow making, mindful maintenance and lasting quality. Social and cultural sustainability are equally vital. Skilled artisans in metalwork, mosaic and finishing collaborate with designers to preserve and evolve traditional knowledge. Local production minimises transport impact and supports community economies, uniting environmental care, human craft and cultural continuity within a living, responsible design system.
Circular Design Grounded in Cultural Responsibility Sustainability in the Aya Collection is a foundation built on responsibility to materials, people and place. Every decision reflects care, longevity and respect. Recycled steel provides strength and recyclability, reclaimed ostrich eggshell transforms waste into fine mosaic, brass ensures durability and timber is responsibly sourced from FSC certified suppliers. Low VOC and water based finishes promote healthier making. The collection embodies circular design, with components made for refinement and reuse to reduce waste and extend life. This approach values slow making, mindful maintenance and lasting quality. Social and cultural sustainability are equally vital. Skilled artisans in metalwork, mosaic and finishing collaborate with designers to preserve and evolve traditional knowledge. Local production minimises transport impact and supports community economies, uniting environmental care, human craft and cultural continuity within a living, responsible design system.
Local and Regional Impacts of the Product:
Design as a Catalyst for Local Growth and Cultural Continuity The Aya Collection creates impact through an interconnected approach to making, sourcing and collaboration. Each piece reflects a network of artisans, suppliers and small manufacturers whose combined skills build regional creativity and resilience. Collaboration with craftspeople in metalwork, mosaic and finishing preserves traditional knowledge while creating dignified work. Reclaimed ostrich eggshell links design to agriculture, providing rural employment and reducing waste. Recycled steel and local fabrication support circular production. Culturally the collection bridges African traditions, translating a West African symbol through southern African materials to present authentic and globally relevant design.
Design as a Catalyst for Local Growth and Cultural Continuity The Aya Collection creates impact through an interconnected approach to making, sourcing and collaboration. Each piece reflects a network of artisans, suppliers and small manufacturers whose combined skills build regional creativity and resilience. Collaboration with craftspeople in metalwork, mosaic and finishing preserves traditional knowledge while creating dignified work. Reclaimed ostrich eggshell links design to agriculture, providing rural employment and reducing waste. Recycled steel and local fabrication support circular production. Culturally the collection bridges African traditions, translating a West African symbol through southern African materials to present authentic and globally relevant design.
Company Name:Theurbanative
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Mpho Vackier
