An interesting aspect of self-produced and small-series objects and furniture is that, beyond their function, they can also embody part of the designer’s culture. By observing and exploring material choices, aesthetics, and craftsmanship, one has the opportunity to discover a place, an educational background, or a technique that hasn’t been explored before. Looking at LUFFA Project by Samer Selbak, for example, it’s clear that the designer aims to introduce nature into the domestic environment, seeking harmony with everything that is man-made.
Samer is a Palestinian designer living and working in Paris. He graduated from the École des Arts Décoratifs in 2022 with a Master’s in Product Design. Through his projects, which explore the intersection of art, design, and social awareness, he seeks to combine aesthetics with a deeper respect for the impact of our choices. Inspired by his Palestinian roots and rich historical heritage, his use of natural materials and traditional techniques reflects the designer’s interest in the relationship between humans and nature.
LUFFA Project
LUFFA Project focuses on the luffa (or loofah) plant, which has been used for centuries in Arab cultures as a bath sponge. The series of objects is made from two contrasting materials, luffa and steel – to highlight the tension between organic and man-made materials – and dyed using traditional techniques with natural colorants. The project includes Saffeer, a diagonal pendant lamp made from dyed luffa fibers, carefully treated and stitched into a trapezoidal shape. Structured with an internal steel frame, the lamp is designed with durability and sustainability in mind. Reef, on the other hand, is a space divider that serves both as a functional object and a sculptural piece. Made using the same process as Saffeer, the plant fibers are strong and biodegradable, allowing air and light to pass through while maintaining its function as a divider. The structure is supported by two steel bars. To delve deeper into the project, we asked Samer a few questions:
Since luffa is also an edible product, how do you select the resource for your projects?
Samer: In Palestine, we mainly use luffa as a sponge. During my research, I wondered if this fruit was also edible, and I discovered that, indeed, it is consumed primarily in Asia. (Young fruits, when still green and fresh, are edible.) To use luffa as a material, we let the fruit grow on the plant until the autumn sun dries it out. Once it’s fully grown, it’s filled with fibers, which form the internal structure, and covered by a thin but tough skin. Once dried and peeled, the luffa fibers are revealed and can be used as a sponge or, in this case, as a design material.
Do you grow the luffa yourself or rely on local suppliers?
Samer: Some of the luffa I use in my projects is grown by my father, but since I live in Paris, I had to find local distributors to make production more practical. This material is extremely lightweight and is compressed into thin pieces before being shipped in large quantities, making it very efficient. Once rehydrated, the dried luffa sponges double in size, returning to their original shape.
Can you tell us more about the natural dyeing process?
Samer: I use traditional dyeing methods, which involve extracting natural pigments from different plants, fruit peels, and vegetables. Natural dyeing is a science in itself, rich with tones and shades, and it’s extremely difficult to achieve the same results in mass production. For this reason, in my work, I embrace the variations in shades rather than trying to control the color and limit it to industrial standards, which usually involve chemical and synthetic dyes that are harmful to the environment. The dyeing process has taught me to appreciate the “wild” side of natural materials and elements, using them thoughtfully to further enhance the final pieces and make them unique.
Does dyeing the luffa also affect the final color of the light?
Samer: Yes, very subtly. All the light’s colors come from the material’s tones, not the light source. I wanted the source to be neutral, adding a kind of filter that brings out these colored shades. This creates a glow between the light and the dyed luffa that gently illuminates the space with different hues, without oversaturating the environment. I think the final result conveys a sense of calm and a touch of magic, which well represents the idea and process behind these pieces.
The LUFFA project was recently exhibited at Dutch Design Week 2024, at Isola’s Routes to Roots exhibition. To learn more about the project and explore Samer Selbak’s other works, visit his website and follow him on Instagram!
Photography courtesy Samer Selbak