Interview with Badih Rameh – Twisted Concrete Bench

The Twisted Concrete Bench is almost surreal and hard to believe even in real life when standing right in front of it.

Hard concrete and a soft wavy twist.
This shape tricks you.
Is this real cement? Does it actually exist? Can 3 people really sit on it?
The Twisted Concrete Bench is hard to believe, even in real life.

Lebanese designer Badih Rameh modelled the design with 3D software Rhinoceros and then sanded the concrete 3 times after drying.
As a result, a modern and physics-provoking seating object is generated, inspiring further original uses of concrete, already being a widely appreciated material in the current interior trends.

As 1 of the 10 winners of the contest ExpoWanted organised by DesignWanted for Milan Design Week 19, we had a chance to interview Badih Rameh to know more about the form, process and future of the Twisted Concrete Bench.

Tell us about your product: what makes it unique?

Badih Rameh: “Twisted Concrete Bench is designed for indoor and outdoor spaces, the bench’s two straight ends are contrasted by a ‘Twist’, which also creates the support from one side, guides the form, and provides smooth seating for up to three, forming it into Fluid Furniture piece, expressing a sense of movement and softer lines.”

What was your experience with ExpoWanted?

Badih Rameh: “I have always wanted to be part of one of the best design weeks in world, the Milan Design Week. ExpoWanted has given me this unique opportunity to exhibit my Twisted Concrete Bench as part of Ventura Future which I think it was one of the best experience I have ever had in my life. It has granted me a great deal of confidence in my ability and a renewed perspective of myself as an Architect and Designer.”

How does your product respond to current design trends?

Badih Rameh: “Concrete is known for its solidity, strength and durability, often used to create large monolithic forms. Inspiring further original uses of concrete, already being a widely appreciated material in the current interior trend.”

What was the hardest part in the development of your product?

Badih Rameh: “The challenge in this project was how to create the mold, especially for the Twisting Part, using a 3-dimensional modelling program, Rhinoceros, to split the mold into 2, and CNC-machine to cut out the plywood pieces that would then become the mold for the concrete.”

What is the next step for your product?

Badih Rameh: “I am designing lately a new version of the Twisted Concrete Bench, larger and lighter. And searching for showrooms to exhibit my products in order to sell them.”

In your opinion, where is the reference sector for your product is heading to?

Badih Rameh: “Well, my product is part of home décor, Twisted Concrete Bench is hard to believe even in real life, when standing in front of it, creating a new aesthetic trend.  
The contrast created by the hard-concrete piece and the soft wavy twist of its shape tricks the viewer into either thinking of a simpler material to mold or just not accepting that such creation can actually exist.”