Pilot Project: Nodo Seating System at Friis Aalbor

We’re proud to share the first realized project featuring our new Nodo Seating System, installed at Friis Aalborg in close collaboration with Danish Shopping Centers.

As the pilot location, Friis offered an opportunity to see Nodo in action—responding to the real needs of a high-traffic public environment. Working closely with Eva Handset and Niels Adolfson, the system was integrated into the existing layout of the center with precision and care.

Eva curated the color palette and configurations, ensuring that Nodo would not only serve its functional role but also reflect the graphic identity of Friis—colorful, welcoming, and timeless. From layout adjustments to section selection, each decision was guided by the space itself.

The result: a modular seating system that blends into the architectural rhythm of Friis, while standing up to the demands of daily public use. Soft in appearance, strong in construction, and adaptable for evolving needs—Nodo brings a new layer of flexibility and identity to the space.

We’re grateful to Eva and Niels for the trust and thoughtful collaboration. This project marks the beginning of Nodo’s journey into public spaces across Europe.

From Trial to Triumph

In 2010, Terminal 5 at Arlanda Airport faced a pressing issue: benches at the international gate entrance were not lasting more than 90 days. Swedavia, overseeing the airport, needed a reliable solution.

We proposed a 90-day trial with our Union Panorama bench, backed by a commitment that if Swedavia wasn't satisfied, we would promptly remove it. This marked the beginning of a trust-based partnership.

Our Union Panorama bench not only survived the trial but excelled, leading to Swedavia ordering more for both indoor and outdoor areas at Terminal 5. This is a story of exceptional durability, trust, and the power of Swedish craftsmanship.

"Elegance in Pine" - A Challenge Embraced!

This chair embodies a design challenge: How to infuse elegance into a brutalist square-shaped pine chair? Challenge accepted, and here's the elegant result.

Originally slated for exhibition at ICFF in New York, a prestigious opportunity curated by WantedDesign alongside 60 designers from across the globe—something that held immense personal significance. However, due to my birthplace, I encountered barriers that denied me entry to the country.

Now, perhaps you wonder what country and why? Let me share a glimpse into my background: I come from a small but breathtaking village nestled among mountains and green hills. It's a place I've never had the joy to experience fully because of the war between Iran and Iraq. A conflict that forced me to move to a refugee camp in Iraq, where I spent my first 13 years - a life that has forged my foundation and my ethics. The same conflict has left my internationally unrecognized homeland in its wake. I'm Kurdish, born in a region where countless generations of Kurds have thrived, yet it falls under the flag of the Iranian regime, and unfortunately a regime well-known for its brutality and oppression against minorities, and a historical adversary of the United States. But let's not delve too deep into politics! I simply can't do more than raising a voice as a Swedish designer with Kurdish origin, or is it a Kurdish designer with a 'haven' in Sweden...?

The light side of this story is: amidst these challenges, we've created something truly special - a stunning, no-nonsense chair that defies boundaries and captures the essence of 'Elegance in Pine,' and with a story to tell.

Design has a way of transcending borders and telling stories.

#DesignChallenge #EleganceInPine #DesignUnleashed #JangirMaddadi #KurdishHeritage #Design #kurdish

Vendicari for Cappellini

Introducing the Vendicari outdoor collection: crafted with both people and the planet in mind, this sustainable and sleek set of furniture is designed to give your mind a rest from worries about maintenance work. Made with durable materials that stand the test of time, the Vendicari collection is built to last both in design and quality, making it a collection you can use season after season. Whether for private spaces, hotels, or restaurants, the Vendicari collection is the perfect way to connect with the outdoors and make the most of every moment.

Photos by Stefano de Monte

But that's not all! For those looking for something truly unique, we are proud to present the Vendicari Lounge Silver limited edition. This exclusive set of only nine units is made from aluminum with unique features, making it a piece of art that can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Jangir Maddadi with Stefano Barboza | R&D Cappellini | Photo credit: Antonietta Fortunato | R&D Cappellini

Visit Cappellini's brand new showroom located at Via Borgogna 8 in Milan, and discover the Vendicari collection and other new and iconic designs that are sure to inspire and delight. Don't miss your chance to bring the beauty of the outdoors into your home, business, or public space with Cappellini's Vendicari collection.

ICFF + WantedDesign Manhattan May 21-23, 2023 | Booth: W19

I am excited to share that I have been selected to participate in WantedDesign Manhattan's Launch Pad program, sponsored by American Standard and presented with media partners Design Milk and Clever. This program is an internationally renowned platform for emerging designers to showcase prototypes of furniture, home accessories, and lighting and introduce new concepts to a global audience.

At the exhibition, I will be presenting a chair that I have been experimenting with for some time. This unique piece is made entirely of wood and represents a personal passion project that I am thrilled to share with a global audience.

I am thrilled to be a part of this prestigious event and to have the opportunity to network with potential manufacturers and designers. If you are in New York during the ICFF show, I would be delighted if you stopped by to say hello.

German Design Award 2023

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Popsicle Bin Collection for Trece AB, wins German Design Award 2023 in two categories

We are thrilled to announce that the Popsicle Bin Collection has won the highly coveted German Design Award 2023 in two categories - "Excellent Product Design" and "People's Choice". This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the project.

At Jangir Maddadi Design Bureau, we create innovative and sustainable products that make a positive impact on the environment. The Popsicle Bin Collection offers a stylish solution for waste management.

We are grateful to receive this award and would like to extend our thanks to all who contributed to this project. The German Design Award is one of the most recognized awards in the world, and we are proud to be recognized for our efforts in sustainability and product design.

Popsicle wins NYC X Design Award 2021 and German Design Award 2023

We are thrilled to announce that our Popsicle bin collection for TreCe has won the prestigious German Design Award 2023. This marks the second time our design has been recognised with a major award, having previously won the NYC x Design Award in 2021.

The design process was truly a labor of love, and we are honored to have our work recognized by such esteemed awards. We would like to thank our team, our clients and everyone who supported us in this journey. Thanks for being a part of our success!

Union featured in MiB III

In 2010 Columbia Pictures purchased Union panorama benches for the film Men in Black III. In the film (released in 2011) Union is used in the backdrops of scenes that take place both in the 2010’s and the 1960’s. So the fact that they were able to use the bench in both set designs is a testament to the fact that these pieces are not made with the inspiration of any specific era. Union benches are timeless.

Old but gold with eVolo

We love this Intervju with eVolo by Danielle Del Sol

Swedish Design Firm Boasts Bold Designs for Indoor and Outdoor Luxury Furniture

Union Panorama by Jangir Maddadi

Firefly installation

Swarm lamp Firefly installation for Heima by Studiopersia

Location: Täby, Sweden

Swarm lamp | Firefly installation for Heima by Studiopersia

1st Look magazine in Korea

1st look magazine in Korea vol 228. October 2021. Words by Jin YOO

Holy Space interview

“Newly born Holy Space is a place for good & sustainable design to thrive.” Read the full interview here on designwanted

Meet Pingu

The Pingu Family, originally designed for use in a church, evokes a contemporary yet playful character for lighting up a myriad of spaces. One of our most versatile lighting families, the Pingus add poetry to any given space. Combine 30 Flying Pingus to create a soaring chandelier or art installation. Bring the Tiny Pingu into intimate places other lamps cannot go, thanks to its small stature.

Available in natural oak, oiled oak and black stained oak.

Holy Space

Our latest project, Holy Space, brings high design to individual buyers looking for unique pieces for their own holy spaces - homes, businesses, worlds of their own. In Holy Space, you will find curated design objects. First from me and in the future, fellow designers. This is something we really look forward to. 

Here we’re mixing designs from different creative minds, individual designers, and limited edition products. Here, nothing is mass produced. This is where you can find prototypes of products that have not yet seen the light of day. Completely unique, fragile ideas that never made it out of the prototype phase. 

Holy Space is launching October 22. Please follow our journey. 

Design + People + Planet

Time of Covid

Hi everyone, 

I hope you are all doing well during this difficult time in our history. As we navigate these strange times, it's important to consider how our designs can shape the human experience. We need to design a new world that is safer and more sustainable, so that we don't have to constantly update and change everything every five years.

Union Leather

STRONG AND EVERLASTING

At JMDB, we were already ahead of our time with the creation of the Union Family in 2008, which reinvented public seating. The gentle, organic forms made of strong materials are intended to last for generations. With the Union Bench, each person can have their own space while still being able to safely connect with those around them.

The Union Benches are also easy to maintain, as they are built with fiberglass that uses anti-microbial additives to protect against bacteria and fungi. They are not just comfortable, but also designed to stay clean. The design of the Union Bench is neither modern nor classic - it is unique and timeless.

- Jangir Maddadi