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Galyiah Almohannadi: Channeling Change Through Design

Last year, the Zwara programme introduced four designers from Qatar who showcased storytelling, experimentation, and research skills through their designs. This article shines light on these designers and explores how they collaborated with M7 through Zwara, a dynamic programme that seeks to ignite creativity and collaboration within Qatar’s vibrant creative landscape. We begin this series with interior and furniture designer Galyiah Almohannadi, a VCUarts Qatar graduate.

Zwara is an initiative by M7 that invited creatives to delve into exhibitions, archives, and collections before responding to a design brief. What followed is a journey of tailored support, mentorship, and development opportunities. The final works of the participating designers were a testament not only to their creativity but also of the collaboration, experimentation, and support facilitated by M7.

Galyiah Almohannadi, an interior and furniture designer and an alumnus of VCUarts Qatar, later pursued her Master’s degree at the Canterbury School of Architecture. Galyiah’s fascination with design was evident from an early age, driven by her desire to enhance user lifestyles and shape thoughts, emotions, and actions through design.

“I’ve always been intrigued by how spaces and objects convey different moods and impact the way we feel and behave. As my career progressed, I became more focused on furniture design, where a single item can transform a space, contribute to a narrative, and become part of a story. This ability to affect change through design is what continually inspires me,” she shares.

When Galyiah learned about M7’s Zwara programme through an open call for designers, she was eager to participate in the first edition focused on furniture design.

“I wanted to be part of this transformative movement in local design; one that celebrates the fusion of local culture and contemporary design,” she says.

Her approach to the Zwara exhibition centred on a subtle reinterpretation of local elements, emphasising experiential qualities like gradient-coloured glass and light casting coloured shadows. This concept drew inspiration from the interplay of colours at sunset and the shadows cast by patterns in local architecture.

Inspiration and Learning Lessons

Design Inspirations from travel to Vitra Design Museum.

Travel, especially visits to heritage buildings, also serves as a significant source of inspiration for Galyiah. “I’m passionate about analysing the intangible elements that give a space its special essence, its soul, and how this impacts us as users,” she explains.

Reflecting on her journey with M7, Galyiah highlights the lessons learned from her experience, particularly through her trip to the Vitra Museum.

“Vitra Design Museum was an immersive experience blending exposure to inspiring exhibitions, seminars across various fields related to furniture production, and hands-on workshop,” she says.

“The interaction and exchange with specialists in various fields related to furniture design were both informative and inspiring, pushing my design development further. Key lessons included the importance of rushing into the 1:1 prototype phase and the role of storytelling in designing and displaying furniture. Additionally, the Zwara programme offered exposure to crucial aspects of design often overlooked by designers, such as marketing, branding, and exhibition design,” she notes.

When asked about a key takeaway from her experience, Galyiah emphasises, “Don’t wait for the right time, the right opportunity, or the perfect idea; start with small steps to reach your goal.”

The Final Product

Galyiah’s product is called Saraab, which translates to mirage in English.

This experimental bookcase challenges traditional notions by inviting viewers to interact with its rotating structure, exploring diverse possibilities of what a bookcase can offer.

Saraab is inspired by Charlotte Perriand’s esteemed “Bibliothèque” — a masterpiece blending aluminium sheets and mahogany wood renowned for its harmonious integration of industrial materials with soft, rounded edges. Galyiah introduces a fresh interpretation of bookshelf craftsmanship with her interpretation of the Bibliotheque.

Galyiah departs from conventional vertical divisions, opting for locally sourced polychromatic glass that define distinct units within the bookcase. Each unit is conceived as a space to be inhabited and is designed as a module with rotating planes to accommodate possible spatial configurations for various collections and holdings.

Going into the various constraints in their path, Galiyah tells us how she paved her way through the challenges.

The lack of time and the ideation process posed challenges, especially as the designs had to draw from the experiences of a previous exhibition.

“Having a set programme and deadline worked as a positive trigger to expedite prototyping and exploration. Designing and manufacturing customised hardware to rotate the glass panels with minimal visibility was particularly challenging. I overcame this through close coordination with manufacturers, prototyping, testing, and having a contingency plan in place, which minimised stress and allowed for freer creativity,” she recalls.

Life After Zwara

Since the Zwara programme, Galyiah’s professional life has gained significant momentum. “The final exhibition was an opportunity to showcase my work to a wider audience. This encouraged me to apply to the Fire Station residency, and now I’m part of the AIR 09 residency, looking forward to featuring my work next September,” she shares.

On the subject of design in Doha, Galyiah highlights both challenges and opportunities. “Initiatives like the Zwara programme foster a more collaborative and innovative design community in Qatar by providing a platform for collaboration with like-minded creatives, constructive criticism, and guidance. This exchange accelerates design development among local designers.”

She concludes with thoughts on cultural identity: “Cultural identity evolves, but the key is understanding the essence of our culture to properly develop new designs through gradual interaction and user engagement.”