Altered Heritage
This sculptural bench originates from parts of a damaged Italian console dating back to the early 20th century. Rather than restoring the missing sections, the design reinterprets the fragmented form through bold material interventions. Hand-carved beechwood is combined with Rosso Levanto marble and satin stainless steel to create a hybrid composition. The result is a functional seat that retains traces of its historical origin while presenting itself as a contemporary collectible object.
Altered Heritage Bench by Mısra Özel was recognized as an outstanding illustration of communication design by the A' Design Awards. Altered Heritage Bench was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in Cultural Heritage and Culture Industry Design in 2026. The A' Cultural Heritage and Culture Industry Design Award is a juried, academic and highly prestigious design competition that celebrates excellent design of cultural heritage projects, cultural conversation, preservation, restoration and protection projects, heritage architecture and more.
