Interview about The Things Stainless Steel Bowls, winner of the A' Bakeware, Tableware, Drinkware and Cookware Design Award 2021
The Things is a set of polygonal bowl inspired from a philosophy with a sense of Zen. The bowl set of 5 which are seen as 5 different bowls, but all are the same indeed, just the open top is on different planes so that people would think those are totally different in shape. It delivers an idea of equality and respect in one world. The set also represent the Five Elements as Metal, Wood, Water, Fire & Earth. Each is designed as a polygon with unconventional shape as tableware, home decors and art sculpture. Every piece of the set is polished with a crisp & mirror finish.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsCertainly! Zhuangzi's philosophy emphasizes concepts such as relativity, harmony, and the natural flow of life, which can profoundly influence design and manufacturing. Here’s how these ideas might shape the approach to creating equality through The Things Stainless Steel Bowls:Design DecisionsRelativity and Perception: Zhuangzi's emphasis on relativity encourages a design that prioritizes user experience and perspective. The bowls could be designed with varied sizes, shapes, and finishes, allowing users to find their own sense of utility and beauty. Each bowl could serve different purposes but be equal in their worth as functional objects, embodying the idea that value is not universal but varies from one individual to another.Harmony with Nature: Zhuangzi advocated for living in harmony with the natural world. The choice of materials, like stainless steel, reflects a commitment to sustainability and longevity. Stainless steel is recyclable and, compared to plastics, has a minimal impact on the environment, aligning with the philosophy of nurturing the world around us while creating useful and aesthetically pleasing objects.Fluidity and Adaptability: Zhuangzi's philosophy often explores the idea of change and adaptability. The designs could incorporate features that allow the bowls to serve multiple functions or be easily stackable, promoting versatility. This can symbolize the adaptability of life and the need for objects to evolve with their intended use.Manufacturing ChallengesCraftsmanship and Process: Zhuangzi appreciated the importance of skilled craftsmanship. To embody this in the manufacturing process, there might be a focus on artisanal techniques that ensure each bowl is crafted with care, promoting a sense of individual value even when part of a mass-produced line. This presents a challenge in balancing automation and artistry, striving to maintain personal touch even in a larger scale production.Quality Control as a Reflection of Harmony: Ensuring each bowl meets high standards of quality could mirror the philosophical pursuit of harmony. This might necessitate rigorous quality control processes that still allow for some level of imperfection, recognizing that no two items are truly alike, much like the perspectives of different individuals as posited by Zhuangzi.Supply Chain Ethics: The philosophy advocates for a conscientious approach to interactions and relationships. This informs manufacturing practices that ensure fair treatment of workers and ethical sourcing of materials, presenting challenges in creating a transparent and responsible supply chain amid global complexity.In conclusion, drawing from Zhuangzi's philosophy allows for a holistic approach to both design and manufacturing that honors the principles of equality, sustainability, and adaptability. This ancient wisdom acts not merely as a backdrop but as a guiding framework that actively shapes every aspect of bringing The Things Stainless Steel Bowls to life.
The mirror-polished finish of The Things Stainless Steel Bowls was inspired by the concept of reflection, both literally and metaphorically. The shiny surfaces not only serve a practical purpose by resisting stains and enhancing durability, but they also invite viewers to engage more deeply with the objects. The reflective quality allows users to see themselves and their surroundings, prompting a moment of introspection and connection with their environment.Philosophically, this aesthetic treatment elevates the design beyond mere functionality; it encourages mindfulness and appreciation of daily rituals. Each time a user prepares or serves food in the bowls, they are subtly reminded of their role in the interconnectedness of consumption and creation. This reflection can symbolize the broader human experience—the interplay between self and society, nurturance and nature.By choosing this finish, we aim to create not just a kitchen tool, but a piece that fosters contemplation and elevates everyday experiences, encouraging users to appreciate the beauty in simplicity and the significance of our choices in an increasingly complex world.
Overcoming the technical challenges of creating precise polygonal shapes in The Things Stainless Steel Bowls, while ensuring the integrity of the artistic vision, required a multifaceted approach:Design Optimization: The initial design phase focused heavily on computer-aided design (CAD) tools that allowed for precise modeling of polygonal shapes. This helped identify potential issues early in the process and refine the forms to balance aesthetics and manufacturability.Material Selection: Choosing high-quality stainless steel was critical, as it provided the necessary strength and flexibility for creating intricate shapes without compromising durability. Understanding the material properties allowed us to tailor our processes effectively.Advanced Manufacturing Techniques: Incorporating cutting-edge techniques such as CNC machining ensured higher precision in cutting and shaping. This technology enabled us to replicate the polygonal designs consistently and accurately, which is crucial in addressing high defect rates.Prototyping and Iteration: Rapid prototyping played a significant role in the development process. By creating multiple iterations of the bowls, we could test and refine both the technical aspects and the artistic vision. Feedback from these prototypes highlighted areas for improvement, whether in shape, form, or functionality.Collaboration with Engineers: Working closely with manufacturing engineers ensured that our artistic vision was achievable within production constraints. Their insights on production techniques helped bridge the gap between artistic expression and manufacturability.Quality Control Processes: Implementing rigorous quality control measures throughout the production cycle helped to catch and address defects early. Regular evaluations ensured that each piece aligned with the design specifications while maintaining the desired aesthetic.Artistic Flexibility: While precision was important, allowing some degree of artistic flexibility in the final shapes helped mitigate defects. By embracing slight variances that still captured the overall essence of the design, we maintained artistic integrity without compromising quality.Through these strategies, we were able to effectively navigate the technical challenges posed by high defect rates, ensuring that The Things Stainless Steel Bowls not only met our standards for quality and precision but also embodied our artistic vision.
The Things Stainless Steel Bowls are designed to represent the Five Elements—Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth—through their specific angles and planes. Here’s how each bowl's design can correspond to these elements:Metal: The bowl representing Metal typically exhibits sharp angles and a polished, reflective surface. This form is emblematic of strength, structure, and clarity. The angular design can symbolize the precision and efficiency often associated with the Metal element, reflecting its inherent qualities of focus and determination.Wood: The Wood element is often depicted through a bowl with softer, rounded edges and an expansive shape. This design evokes the growth and flexibility inherent to Wood. The alignment of the edges may suggest upward movement, similar to the way trees grow towards the sun. In terms of texture, a matte finish could simulate the organic feel of wood, emphasizing connection to nature.Water: A bowl representing Water may have a fluid, curvilinear form, mimicking waves or the flow of a stream. The angles in this bowl are gentle and harmonious, symbolizing adaptability and intuition. Its reflective surface can also evoke the tranquil and dynamic qualities of water, enhancing its connection to movement and change.Fire: The Fire element can be embodied in a bowl characterized by dynamic angles and perhaps an asymmetrical design that suggests the energy and unpredictability of flames. Sharp edges can represent the intensity and passion associated with Fire. The alignment of these angles might create a sense of upward motion, symbolizing warmth, enthusiasm, and transformation.Earth: The Earth element is often represented through a stable, grounded form. A bowl that is wide and sturdy with a flat, broad base embodies the qualities of support and nurturing associated with Earth. Its angles are often lower and more horizontal, representing stability, reliability, and the foundational aspects of this element. Texturally, it may have a rougher finish to emphasize the connection to soil and the natural world.Each bowl, through its unique form, angle, and alignment, captures the essence of its corresponding element, creating a harmonious representation of the Five Elements in design.
While I don’t have personal experience or a background in sheet metalworking, I can offer insight into how such an experience might influence the design of innovative products like The Things Stainless Steel Bowls. A decade in the industry would provide valuable knowledge of material properties, manufacturing processes, and design ergonomics. Here’s how that background could inform the approach:Material Understanding: Proficiency in sheet metalworking would impart an in-depth understanding of stainless steel, including its weight, durability, and thermal properties. This knowledge facilitates the design of bowls that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also easy to handle and maintain.Manufacturing Techniques: Experience with various manufacturing techniques—such as welding, forming, and finishing—allows for the creative integration of functionality and aesthetics. For instance, techniques from metalworking could be applied to create unique shapes or patterns that enhance both the visual appeal and usability of the bowls.Ergonomics: A background in metalworking would emphasize the importance of ergonomics in design. This experience helps ensure that the bowls are comfortable to hold and use, with features like rounded edges and well-balanced weights.Durability and Functionality: Understanding the demands of industrial applications could directly inform the design for everyday use, ensuring the bowls are resilient against scratches, dents, and heat, while remaining suitable for various culinary tasks.Innovation in Design: Familiarity with both traditional and contemporary design principles could inspire pushing the boundaries of conventional tableware. This might involve experimenting with form and function to create pieces that stand out in both casual and formal settings.Sustainability and Efficiency: Knowledge of materials and production processes can lead to more sustainable practices, optimizing manufacturing methods to reduce waste and improve energy efficiency.Overall, a decade of experience in sheet metalworking would provide a strong foundation for innovating within the realm of tableware, resulting in designs that are not only beautiful but practical and long-lasting. This blend of industrial expertise and creative vision could ultimately redefine users’ experiences with everyday items like stainless steel bowls.
When designing the Things Stainless Steel Bowls to serve multiple functions as tableware, home décor, and meditation objects, several key considerations guided the design process:Versatility: The shape and size of the bowls were carefully selected to ensure they could be used in various contexts. For instance, a design that is aesthetically pleasing can serve as a centerpiece while being functional enough for serving food or holding meditation items.Material Selection: Stainless steel was chosen not only for its durability and resistance to corrosion but also for its modern aesthetic. The reflective surface adds an element of elegance, making the bowls suitable for dining settings as well as decorative displays.Ergonomics and Usability: The design takes into account the user’s experience. Curved edges and comfortable sizing ensure that the bowls are easy to handle, whether being used for food, as a decorative piece, or in meditation practices.Minimalism and Aesthetics: A minimalist approach was employed to create bowls that are visually appealing yet unobtrusive. This design philosophy allows the bowls to fit seamlessly into various environments, enhancing the overall aesthetic without overpowering other elements.Cultural and Functional Considerations: Understanding the role of bowls in different cultures and practices informed design choices. For meditation, for example, the bowl’s depth and openness can enhance the mindfulness experience, while its easy-to-clean surface meets practical needs for food use.Sustainability: Emphasizing sustainable design, the bowls are made from recyclable materials and are designed to last. This aspect appeals to environmentally-conscious consumers who appreciate long-lasting products.Balance and Harmony: The design process considered the balance between form and function. The bowls are designed to create a sense of harmony in both dining experiences and meditative settings, promoting mindfulness in their use.Customizability: To cater to a broader audience, some bowls offer features like customizable finishes or sizes, allowing users to select options that best fit their personal style and functional needs.These considerations culminated in creating versatile pieces that serve as functional tools for meals, tranquil companions for meditation, and beautiful decor elements, reflecting a blend of practicality and aesthetic appeal.
When designing unconventional polygonal shapes for The Things Stainless Steel Bowls, we utilized several adaptive metalworking techniques to achieve our vision. Here are some specific examples:3D Modeling and Prototyping: We began with advanced 3D modeling software to visualize our designs. This allowed us to experiment with various polygonal shapes and optimize dimensions before moving to machining. Rapid prototyping techniques, like 3D printing, were used to create initial prototypes that informed our metalworking processes.CNC Machining: For precise cuts and complex geometries, we employed CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining. This technology enabled us to transform digital designs into physical shapes with high accuracy. We tailored the machining parameters to accommodate the unique angles and facets of the bowls, ensuring that we maintained structural integrity while achieving the complex profiles.Sheet Metal Forming: Traditional bowl designs often use spinning or deep drawing techniques. However, for our polygonal shapes, we used advanced sheet metal forming methods such as laser cutting combined with press brake forming. This method allowed us to cut intricate shapes from stainless steel sheets and then manipulate them into the desired forms without compromising the material’s properties.Welding and Assembly Techniques: Creating multi-faceted designs often necessitated joining multiple pieces of metal. We employed specialized welding techniques that provided strong, clean seams without adding excessive heat that could warp the metal. Techniques like TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding allowed for both strength and aesthetic quality in the joints.Finishing Techniques: To achieve the desired surface finish that complements the modern aesthetic of our bowls, we adopted various finishing processes—such as bead blasting and polishing. These techniques enhanced both the functionality (e.g., preventing scratches and fingerprints) and the visual appeal of the unconventional shapes.Material Selection: We chose high-quality stainless steel with properties suited to our designs, prioritizing thickness and alloy type to ensure durability while allowing for the unique shaping processes. This strategic selection of materials was critical in overcoming the limitations of traditional methods.By merging these adaptive metalworking techniques, we successfully transformed our design vision into a reality, pushing the boundaries of conventional bowl manufacturing and creating unique, functional art pieces.
Winning the Bronze A' Design Award for The Things Stainless Steel Bowls is a significant achievement that can serve as a powerful catalyst for future explorations in merging philosophical concepts with functional design. Here are a few ways this recognition might influence my journey:Increased Credibility: The award enhances my credibility in the design community, allowing me to engage with other designers, philosophers, and thought leaders who are also interested in the intersection of design and philosophy. This could lead to collaborative projects that explore deeper themes around existence, aesthetics, and functionality.Inspiration for New Projects: The success with the stainless steel bowls might inspire me to further investigate the philosophical implications of everyday objects. I might delve into materials that evoke sensory experiences, exploring how they can influence our perception of meaning and utility in our daily lives.Sustainability and Ethics: Being recognized for design may push me to explore ethical design principles more rigorously. I could incorporate philosophies around sustainability and mindfulness into my work, creating pieces that not only serve a purpose but also promote an awareness of our responsibilities to the environment and society.User-Centric Approach: The award may reinforce the importance of the user’s perspective in my designs. I envision exploring how philosophical questions about identity, culture, and memory can shape functional design. This could lead to a more personalized approach where users see themselves and their stories reflected in the products they use.Educational Opportunities: This recognition may open avenues for workshops, lectures, or publications where I can discuss and disseminate my ideas on joining philosophy with functional design. Sharing my insights could inspire other designers to think critically about the purpose and impact of their work.Investigation of Form and Function: The award could encourage me to further experiment with the relationship between form and function. Philosophical concepts such as dualism or existentialism might lead to innovative ways of thinking about how objects interact with space and the human experience.Overall, this recognition not only validates my past work but also sets the stage for ambitious explorations that can enrich both the design and philosophical fields, encouraging a dialogue that transcends traditional boundaries.
The cross-border collaboration for the Things Stainless Steel Bowls project between Hong Kong and China brought both enhancements and challenges to the design and production process.Enhancements:Access to Expertise: Working with manufacturers in China provided access to specialized knowledge and advanced manufacturing techniques. This allowed for innovative designs and efficient production methodologies that might not have been available in Hong Kong.Cost Efficiency: The production costs in China can be lower due to economies of scale. This financial aspect allowed for higher quality materials and finishes, enhancing the overall product without significantly increasing the budget.Diverse Perspectives: Collaboration across borders brought different cultural perspectives into the design process. This diversity led to a more holistic approach, considering various user needs and preferences, which helped create more appealing and functional products.Supply Chain Optimization: Proximity to many raw material suppliers in China facilitated smoother logistics and quicker turnaround times for material procurement, thus streamlining the production process.Challenges:Communication Barriers: Language differences and cultural nuances sometimes led to misunderstandings. Clear and effective communication was essential to ensure that design specifications and production requirements were accurately conveyed and met.Quality Control: Maintaining consistent quality across borders was a challenge. Differences in manufacturing standards and practices required closer oversight and a robust quality assurance system to ensure that the final products met the desired specifications.In summary, the cross-border collaboration for the Things Stainless Steel Bowls project significantly enriched the design and production process through the combination of expertise, cost efficiency, and diversity. However, it also required carefully managed communication and quality control measures to overcome the inherent challenges of working across borders.
The Things Stainless Steel Bowls serve as a compelling intersection of art and functionality, designed to elevate the perception of everyday tableware. By merging aesthetic appeal with practical use, these bowls encourage users to reconsider their relationship with ordinary objects in several meaningful ways:Aesthetic Appreciation: The design of these bowls highlights the beauty inherent in functionality. By showcasing the elegance of stainless steel and thoughtful design, users may develop a greater appreciation for the artistry involved in everyday items. This recognition can transform mundane routines into moments of beauty, prompting individuals to seek out and value aesthetically pleasing objects in their daily lives.Reevaluation of Functionality: Users may begin to see tableware not just as utilitarian vessels but as an extension of personal expression and creativity. The bowls challenge the notion that functional items must be purely practical, encouraging users to explore how form and function can coexist in harmony and enhance their dining experiences.Mindfulness in Daily Use: Incorporating artful objects into daily routines fosters mindfulness. Users may find themselves engaging more deeply with the act of cooking and dining, experiencing a sense of connection to the materials and craftsmanship behind their tableware. This mindfulness can lead to more conscious consumption, encouraging users to invest in durable, well-designed items rather than disposable or low-quality alternatives.Conversation Starters: The unique nature of these bowls can spur conversations around design, sustainability, and the value of craftsmanship. This dialogue can inspire individuals to reflect on the stories behind objects, enriching their understanding of cultural contexts and the importance of choosing items that resonate with their values.Encouragement of Personal Rituals: By infusing art into functional pieces like these bowls, users may feel inspired to create personal rituals around meals and gatherings. This could lead to a renewed emphasis on the importance of shared meals, gathering with loved ones, and celebrating everyday moments, all facilitated by items that embody beauty and intent.In essence, The Things Stainless Steel Bowls aim to transform users' perspectives on tableware by encouraging a deeper engagement with the objects they use daily. This transformation can cultivate a greater appreciation for design, foster meaningful relationships with objects, and ultimately contribute to a more thoughtful and sustainable approach to consumption.
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