Meet Sahar Madanat
Sahar Madanat is one of the Middle East's most awarded industrial designers and the founder of Twelve Degrees, with honors including the Red Dot, iF and IDEA awards and a Grand Prix nomination at the Institut du Monde Arabe. She designs from a single conviction: good design solves real problems and creates value — grounded in a rigorous, evidence-based method delivering impact for users, care for the environment, and growth for clients. Over two decades, her clients span Nokia, OXO, Stelton and RAK Ceramics. She is among the region's most committed advocates for design, supporting innovation through talks and mentorship.
I believe design is a tool for solving problems and improving quality of life — far more than just beautiful objects. And to do that in the voice and identity of the Middle East is what inspires me.
Key Projects
- Remal - A ceramic bathroom-ware collection embracing nature's tranquility and texture. The collection is the result of a design collaboration with RAK Ceramics group unveiled at ISH 2023 in Frankfurt. Together, we have crafted a stunning array of high-end sinks and toilets that blend form and function, drawing our inspiration from the dynamic shapes of sand dunes shaped by the wind. Beyond the design itself, we've curated the entire storytelling, nomenclature, and mood surrounding the collection, ensuring that it embodies a narrative and evokes a unique ambiance for those who experience it.
- Sensate Series - A plate for intuitive, independent eating. Originating from a recognized market need for sophisticated tableware catering to the elderly and individuals with disabilities, our independent dining. The Sensate Series, currently manufactured by RAK Porcelain and available worldwide, has not only garnered awards but also created new opportunities for the company by extending their portfolio into the healthcare and wellness segment.
- Jarra - Contemporary self-cooling ceramic tableware. In reimagining the traditional 'jarra,' originally used for natural water cooling, our studio project presents a contemporary design that preserves the cooling effect while meeting safety standards by employing special glazing techniques, offering a refreshing taste of clay-cooled water without compromising food safety.
- Lammeh - From Scrap to Market: Transforming Fabric Waste into Trendsetting, Market-Driven Products A furniture line inspired by the prevailing ethos of the Arab Majlis. This comprehensive collection has been elevated to cater to international tastes and features an innovative foam and Dacron alternative crafted from fabric waste; thus ensuring a sustainable and eco-friendly product. With a strong commitment to circularity, this collection has been thoughtfully designed for easy disassembly and end-of-life recyclability as well.
