Wood design in Türkiye: Future Heirlooms on show

Ayça Yilmaz, The Empath Door

The Circle and the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) announced Future Heirlooms, a project to explore the future of sustainable Turkish design, during the summer of 2022. Fast forward a little over a year and the group of seven emerging Turkish designers have created a series of works that not only look forward to the future of sustainable design, but also explore their own heritage and the story of Turkey’s rich design legacy.

Gürcan Bulut, Teeter-Board

Manufactured in American cherry, maple and red oak by hardwood furniture designer manufacturers Yonga Mobilya in Denizli, the seven pieces are a celebration of material and memory and ask pertinent questions about our approach to the environment.

“We need to end our current throwaway culture. We need to use materials that have a low environmental impact. These considerations should affect all our day-to-day decision-making. Designers, especially, have a huge influence on how products are planned and with what materials. This project was the perfect platform for us to work with emerging but accomplished, Turkish designers whilst also helping them to work with abundant, versatile and beautiful, yet lesser-known American hardwood species” says AHEC Regional Director, Rod Wiles.

Asli Eylem Kolbaş, (Speculating) Dom Hans van der Laan’s (Irrational) Bench

For the designers, the project has offered a unique opportunity to explore alternative manufacturing methods, and the beauty and versatility of American hardwoods.

Studio, Yellowdot, Bodin Hon and Dilara Kan, Checkered

The seven designers and design teams were chosen through an open-call process and a selection committee, made up of celebrated designers and architects including Tom Dixon, Melkan Gürsel, Defne Koz, Seyhan Özdemir and Mehmet Ali Uysal.

Future Heirlooms runs until September 30, 2023 at The Circle, Tomtom Mah. Tercüman Çk, No: 16/1, 34433, Beyoğlu / Istanbul.

Deni̇z Koldaş and Nazli Mutlu, Blocked

Öykü Üner, Ogata

Deni̇z Yeni̇doğan, Pruva

Photos: Courtesy American Export Hardwood Council