IKA Play: Backgammon + Chess
Backgammon + Chess
Project Type: Product Design
Location: London, UK
Exhibition: London Crafts Council
Year: 2026
Status: Prototype
Manufacturer: Stevde Wood
Backgammon is more than a game of strategy and chance; it is a ritual of connection, shaped by centuries of shared moments, conversations, and cultural traditions. From the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia to the cafés and gathering places of modern-day Turkey, the game has remained a constant presence in everyday life. Inspired by this enduring social heritage, the project explores backgammon as both a cultural object and a contemporary design experience, celebrating the balance between play, craftsmanship, and human connection.
The design process begins with the exploration of cubic volumes, establishing a solid geometric language that gradually evolves through surface development and carving. Material is removed to reveal the board's playing surface, creating a dialogue between mass and void, precision and tactility. Inlaid details and playing stones introduce contrasting materials and textures, bringing depth and character to the composition. A bespoke brass joint serves as both a functional connection and a refined mechanical detail, integrating the hinge, locking mechanism, and structural assembly into a single design element.
The result is a contemporary interpretation of a timeless game, where the permanence of form meets the spontaneity of play. Every detail is considered not only for its function, but also for the sensory and social experience it creates. Through its sculptural geometry, material contrasts, and carefully resolved construction, the design transforms a familiar pastime into a lasting object of interaction — one that invites people to gather, slow down, and rediscover the pleasure of playing together.