Siyanda Mazibuko, Kumsuka (Evolve Your Space)

Johannesburg, South Africa

Wood: thermally modified red oak

The inspirations for Mazibuko’s piece include isicholo, a hairstyle symbolising tribal identity in several African cultures, and indlamu, a traditional Zulu dance practised in celebratory ceremonies. He paired these visual references with a reflection on themes of engaging human behaviour, and the role of design in people’s lives. ‘Engaging with other people is an intrinsic human trait,’ he says, citing this as the reason for his design, a modular, layered seat imagined for public spaces. He took a practical approach, looking into ergonomics and function to create his bench, composed of interlocking strips of thermally modified red oak – timber that has been baked to a high temperature, making it suitable for the outdoors. @_kumsuka_