Payam Askari Transforms Leather Waste into Sculptural Design Collection Through Hidescapes Project

Designer Payam Askari has developed the Hidescapes project in collaboration with SK!N, transforming discarded leather scraps from tanneries into sculptural furniture and lighting pieces. The initiative reinterprets waste materials as valuable resources, creating functional artworks that emphasize sustainability through creative reuse. Askari's approach treats imperfections in the leather—such as scars, folds, and grain patterns—as integral design elements rather than defects, resulting in surfaces that resemble abstract landscapes. Key pieces include the Drapeform Sofa and SoftPillar Light, which blend sculpture with practical design. The project originated from Askari's observations at tanneries, where he noted how leather offcuts were often discarded as deadstock. His previous work with marble remnants in the Remains project, created alongside OmniaWorks, follows a similar philosophy of repurposing industrial waste. Hidescapes encourages physical interaction with the objects, inviting viewers to explore textures and details. Askari plans to expand this material language into architectural applications and collaborate with other industries like glassmaking and metal foundries to apply circular design principles more broadly. The collection challenges conventional perceptions of waste and material value, positioning leather as a medium for artistic and sensory exploration.