ATHAR | أثَـــــــــر
A Saudi Furniture Design Initiative, by Khaled Hashem
The ATHAR Initiative invites students of Dar Al Hekma University to take part in a chair design competition inspired by contemporary Saudi identity. The challenge is to create a thoughtful, original design that connects cultural inspiration with refined design and practical manufacturability.
Develop your idea. Share your vision. Create a design that leaves an أثر.
Ready to share your design?
Khaled Hashem
The Elite Architect
is the Founder and CEO of KH Elite Architecture, a pioneering engineering consultancy, based in Jeddah since in 2016.
The firm works across architecture, interior design, and engineering consultancy, bringing together creative thinking and practical expertise to shape thoughtful, well-executed projects.
Design Hints
Start with a story.
Explore form and materials.
Interpret, don’t imitate.
Keep feasibility in mind.
Think about the person using it.
Show how your idea developed.
What aspect of Saudi culture, place, craft, or daily life inspires your chair?
Translate your inspiration into a contemporary design language rather than copying a traditional form or pattern.
Consider comfort, proportions, posture, and how the chair will be used.
Look at how shape, texture, structure, and material choices can express your idea.
Aim for a design that could realistically be made, assembled, and used.
Use sketches and simple diagrams to explain the inspiration, key decisions, and overall concept.