From today’s perspective, it was back in 2013 when Nikola Kalevski, then still a student, entered our studio and said: “I hope that with my experience I can contribute to Croatian design and elevate it to a global level.” Today, ten years later, Nikola presents the Glagolitic Bench project as the first in a series of Glagolitic-inspired designer products for interior and exterior use.

“I believe this project is one of those that can contribute to Croatia on a global level — not only in design, but also in other segments such as tourism and culture. Imagine sitting at an airport as a tourist, and the first thing you see is a large Glagolitic clock on the wall, or a bench you sit on and immediately notice is different from all the others,” Kalevski explains, adding that the entire concept can be expanded and connected to digital content, such as information about the location or the script itself.

When we first met him, Nikola Kalevski was a student in the Netherlands, where he grew up. He decided to complete his professional internship in his hometown of Zagreb. Shortly afterward, he conceived the Glagolitic Bench as his graduation project.

“The bench was created after researching Croatian identity — what represents Croatia and what its roots are. During this research, I came to the conclusion that the Glagolitic script is one of the fundamental elements of Croatian identity. It represents our oldest script; it is unique and rich in content, with letterforms of very simple shapes,” he explains.

Believing that Glagolitic script receives too little attention, Kalevski advocates its reinterpretation through contemporary design that is both visually elegant and conceptually rich. This resulted in the Glagolitic “bench” — a product designed for urban environments, suitable for hotels, resorts, campsites, and private spaces alike.

“I remember one of my professors saying during the graduation presentation that the bench did not feel like a typical student project, but rather like a finished product ready for the market,” Kalevski recalls.

The Glagolitic Bench is the first product in a series of Glagolitic-inspired designer objects. The supporting structure is made of steel or concrete, while the seating surface is crafted from wood. Additional variations and personalization options are planned.

The bench is currently available in two versions: concrete and metal. There is also the possibility of using different types of wood, such as teak, as well as options for customization.

Kalevski also announces clocks inspired by Glagolitic forms, as well as a product series titled PNºVASE, which includes vases made from PVC pipes — where the material is not discarded, but reused as a functional design object.