elysia
cabinet collection
Ezgi Gündüz / 2025
As a storage unit, Elysia is a design inspired by human soul, created in a modern-bohemian style. I believe that the human soul is precious and must be nurtured to sustain its existence. In terms of mass, Elysia's elevated legs symbolize that value of values. The box-shaped storage compartment on top represents inner boundaries. To convey the intangible nature of the soul, I integrated a semi-transparent acrylic pnael into the lid. This translucent element represents liberation and spiritual freedom.
The Elysia Cabinet Collection serves the design metaphor through the meaning of its name. In Greek mythology, Elysium is depicted as a place where the souls of the deceased are rewarded and find peace. As an elegant detail, it is also recognized as a space reserved only for virtuous souls, reflecting the concept of paradise and the afterlife.
The material choices support the metaphor's harmony with nature: wood textures, a semi-transparent acrylic panel and rope elements were selected. The upper storage compartment is made from a wooden structure. The cabinet door integrates a hidden handle detail into a surface created using marquetry with semi-transparent acrylic to provide permeability. For the legs, I designed a special structure with intersecting forms to metaphorize connection. To express cohesion and unity, the legs are encircled with ropes in the same color palette, creating a binding, embracing structure.
"The educated soul is free; as it rises, it escapes the chains of the body and the world of appearances."
— platon
