“If the industrial revolution started in the Arab world, what would our current everyday products be as a result?”

A question that prompted our material design research project; Made From Jordan.

The industrial system is built on innovations that were developed in industrialized nations – using materials that were accessible and abundant in these areas. As a result, Jordan – a resource poor country – has been forced to depend on inventions, knowledge and materials of wealthier nations. This results in the import of materials from abroad at a high cost to its citizens, environment, and economy. It creates a significant trade deficit. As Jordanian product designers, we constantly struggle to find local materials to manufacture our designs, which is where the need for a new, local material came from.

To show the possibilities of our new material, we created a bench. The bench was inspired by the “Majles”; a traditional Arabic space where families and friends gathered over coffee and meals to socialize and share poems. They simply sit on on mattresses, adjusting the cushions to suit the activity. We designed the bench with the same versatility of use in mind. The bench can be used as a seat, lounge, day-bed and table top. The movable cushion allows the user to position it as they need. The side table was designed to serve both seating positions; while on bench and/or the ground, encouraging dynamic social gatherings.