Designed by Richard Sweeney and Liam Hopkins for UK-based design studio Lazerian, The Mensa Collection is one of the most distinctive plywood furniture collection. The collection includes models that use various connecting methods of bolting and self-interlock, and usually consisting of modular, birch plywood components supporting glass tops. With the use of a CNC (computer numerically controlled) router, these models were further advanced to find structural forms capable of supporting weight. From this process emerged a distinctive collection of furniture, which makes use of both raw and laminated birch plywood.
Courtesy of Richard Sweeney and Liam Hopkins – Lazerian
According to Lazerian, the designs emphasize the importance of material to Lazerian, the basis of a design starts with the material itself, and efforts are made to incorporate the unique features of the material into the design, and to fully integrate methods of hand craft with new manufacturing technologies.
Ibrahim Abdelhady is an architect, academic, and media entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in architecture and digital publishing. He is the Founder and CEO of Arch2O.com, a leading platform in architectural media, renowned for showcasing innovative projects, student work, and critical discourse in design. Holding dual PhDs in Architecture, Dr. Abdelhady combines academic rigor with industry insight, shaping both future architects and architectural thought. He actively teaches, conducts research, and contributes to the global architecture community through his writing, lectures, and media ventures. His work bridges the gap between practice and academia, pushing the boundaries of how architecture is communicated in the digital age.