The Marka chair by Adel Alserhani is a modular seating system based on forms derived from Bedouin living structures. The design references objects used in nomadic life, where mobility and adaptability shaped how furniture was used and constructed. Two structural panels and a padded textile cover form the core components, allowing the piece to shift between configurations without tools. The system can be arranged as a shared seating setup or adjusted into a single low chair for individual use.
The structure uses interlocking joinery to enable repeated assembly and reconfiguration. A triangular cushion supports different sitting positions, adapting to relaxed or upright postures depending on the arrangement. Materials include recycled and recyclable polypropylene sourced from local manufacturing waste, paired with soft upholstery elements.
Image Credit: Adel Alserhani
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Modular Nomadic-inspired Furniture
- Design language derived from nomadic structures enables furniture that alters spatial sociality and occupancy patterns in small and transient living environments.
- Tool-free Reconfigurable Systems
- Interlocking joinery and snap-fit panels make repeated reconfiguration intuitive, enabling seating that shifts function between communal and individual use without specialist tools.
- Localized Circular Material Sourcing
- Use of recycled and recyclable polypropylene from local manufacturing waste points to supply chains that reduce waste while creating regionally tailored, sustainable product lines.
Sectors Adopting This
- Residential Furniture
- Adaptive seating systems that compactly transform between configurations could redefine furniture offerings for micro-apartments and multifunctional homes.
- Co-working and Flexible Workspaces
- Flexible, tool-free seating that supports varied postures and group arrangements presents new possibilities for dynamic, reconfigurable workplace layouts.
- Hospitality and Event Design
- Modular chairs that reassemble quickly into different setups offer the potential to streamline venue turnaround and create customizable guest experiences.
