# Iranian-Inspired Concrete Tableware The Siman Collection is Influenced by a Toghrul Tower in Iran By Amy Duong | Published 2018-03-05 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/siman-collection References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2018/03/03/gian-paolo-venier-bases-concrete-tableware-based-on-ancient-iranian-architecture/) & [gianpaolovenier](https://www.gianpaolovenier.com/) Italian designer Gian Paolo Venier drew an interesting inspiration for his Siman collection of concrete tableware. He looked upon ancient Iranian architecture he saw through postcards, specifically a photo of the 12th century Toghrul tower located by Tehran, Iran. The name of the collection is coined from the Farsi word meaning "concrete." Looking at the structure of the tower, Venier wanted to craft a collection on the concept of "building up a functional landscape." There is a total of seven pieces offered in the Siman collection and each exude a strong architectural individuality. Venier has a background in architecture and he incorporates his knowledge of the field in his work. The collection is comprised of dishes, a vase, a cake stand, and candle holders. There is no surface finishing to the pieces intentionally, to give the idea of poor preservation -- representing the Toghrul tower. Image Credit: Photo & styling by Olivier Lacrouts ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.1/10 - Popularity: 20% | Activity: 36% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Home](https://www.trendhunter.com/home) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Concrete Tableware:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore new materials and designs for tableware inspired by architectural structures. - **Architectural Influence:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate architectural elements into product designs for unique and visually striking creations. - **Minimalist Aesthetics:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create minimalist and unfinished designs that evoke a sense of history and authenticity. ### Who This Affects Most - **Home Decor:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop a line of concrete tableware for modern and minimalist home interiors. - **Hospitality:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce concrete tableware as a trendy and eye-catching option for upscale restaurants and hotels. - **Art and Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Push the boundaries of functional art by incorporating architectural influences into everyday objects. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Iranian-Inspired Furniture Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/saba-yazdjerdi.md) - [Elegant Tonal Table Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/silos-collection.md) - [Elegant Porcelain Tableware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/porcelain-tableware.md) - [Versatile Travertine-Inspired Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/morten-georgsen.md) - [Simplistic Glass Coffee Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/simoon-collection.md) - [Structurally Artful Table Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vakr.md) - [Childhood-Inspired Sculptural Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tivoli-collection.md) - [Light-Manipulating Tableware Pieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iitala.md) - [Vibrantly Designed Modern Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cimento.md)