Seat Prize — Where Design Begins with Thought
In a world where the boundaries of design are expanding every day, Seat Prize stands out as an independent and prestigious international event that showcases creativity, innovation, and the future of furniture design. Focusing on the concept of sitting and chairs, the prize aims to discover new talents and create a bridge between design, industry, and everyday life.
- Idea and Philosophy
The idea of Seat Prize began with a simple but profound question:
This question sparked the creation of a competition that encourages designers to look beyond pure aesthetics, emphasizing functionality, ergonomics, and the human experience. The founder, Ashkan Ghaneei, an Iranian architect and designer, launched this initiative in Isfahan with the support of the Museum of Architecture & Creativity and his cultural team.
- Management
The current management of the competition is led by Elnaz Rajabian, a young, organized, and inspiring leader guiding Seat Prize toward international recognition. With a modern perspective on design and global communication, she has transformed Seat Prize from a local event into a global platform for forward-thinking designers.
- Organizer and Supporting Institution
The competition is organized by Ivan Cultural Group in collaboration with the Museum of Architecture & Creativity. Its permanent venue is in Isfahan, 31 Khaghani Street, Safavi Historic House—a space that symbolizes the connection between Iran’s artistic heritage and modern design.
- Mission and Goals
Seat Prize goes beyond a simple competition. Its mission is to build a community of designers who value quality of life, thoughtful design, and sustainability. The prize aims to:
• Introduce emerging designers to the industry
• Foster collaboration between designers and manufacturers
• Strengthen Iran’s position in the global design community
- Structure and Categories
The competition has two main categories:
1. Product Category – for works with physical prototypes and industrial production potential.
2. Concept Category – for innovative, forward-looking design ideas.
Each edition features an annual theme:
• 2023: Lounge Chair
• 2024: Office Chair
• 2025: Dining Chair
Rules and Participation
• Participants can enter individually or as a team.
• Works must be original and not previously awarded in other competitions.
• Stage one requires 2–4 digital sheets and a written explanation.
• Selected entries in stage two must present a physical prototype.
• Judging is two-stage: preliminary (online) and final (physical exhibition).
• Registration fees: Concept Category €18, Product Category €25.
- Jury and Evaluation
The jury each year includes designers, university professors, and members of international design associations. Judging criteria include:
• Creativity and innovation
• Technical quality and ergonomics
• Cultural and social impact
• Industrial producibility
2025 Jury Members:
• Isola – International designer and critic
- Timeline
The competition is held annually. Registration and submissions usually run from November to December. Final judging and the exhibition of selected works take place in summer each year in Isfahan.
- Venue
Isfahan, 31 Khaghani Street, Safavi Historic House. The venue is not only the cultural center of the event but also a hub for showcasing selected works and exchanging ideas among designers, professors, and manufacturers.
- Future Vision
The ultimate goal of Seat Prize is to become the “Oscar of Design”—a prize recognized globally alongside iF and Red Dot. With the dedication of Elnaz Rajabian and Ashkan Ghaneei’s team, the event continues to expand its international network and collaborate with design schools across Europe and Asia.
- Conclusion
Seat Prize is not just a competition; it’s a design movement. A movement that started in Isfahan but dreams globally. For every designer who believes “a chair can change the world,” this is the starting point.
- Related Links
- • Seat Prize Official Website https://seatprize.com/
- • Ivan Cultural Group https://ivanculturalgroup.com/
- • Isola Design Studio https://isola.design/
- • instagram of seat prize https://www.instagram.com/seatprize/
