Around the Studio, a multidisciplinary product and interior design studio based in Tbilisi, exhibited furniture designs as part of temporary installations. The studio at Georgia Evangelical Baptist Church calls the religious place ” cafe iris. The immersive installation allows visitors to participate in several jointly planned events and activities. This initiative brought together experts from various fields at the Common Café to offer a variety of programs to visitors. Founded by Ano Zishkariani and Tika Sheria, the studio continues to work with a customary interdisciplinary approach, where the everyday processes of the local environment are an integral aspect of the project.
The furniture on display explores local and cultural influences, materials and history. The collection's primary material is Georgian natural felt, made by local women in the Georgia region, and is a hallmark of Around the Studio's aesthetic. The way the stage is set up with independent works placed to indicate its intended purpose creates a sense of ephemerality that reminds us of the importance of public space and the obligation that each new stage simultaneously reflects a different agenda. Ta. Zishkariani and Sheria believe that the completed collection is a testament to the perseverance and dedication of craft women and shows how important and valuable Georgian felt processing is in the world of contemporary design.
Furniture designers went through extensive manufacturing steps before achieving the desired outcome of the furniture, from chair design to bench and table design. The research and production of the product took place in Tbilisi, and the fabrics were produced by women from the surrounding regions of Georgia. To improve the design, Around the Studio collaborated with several manufacturers to run tests and build models to ensure the final quality and ergonomics of the furniture. “The process of making the felt fabric was long and labor-intensive, but seeing the end result was worth it,” the pair say.
By transforming a religious site into a vibrant hub of creativity and community engagement, this project demonstrates the transformative power of design to transcend boundaries and foster meaningful connections within Georgia's diverse communities. . Through their furniture collection, Zishkariani and Shelia celebrated the resilience and artistry of Georgian craftsmanship. Visitors are encouraged to touch the furniture to discover not only its functionality, but also the stories and customs woven into each piece. It captures the spirit of modern design with a strong cultural foundation.
