Interview about Arctic Coffee table, winner of the A' Furniture Design Award 2017
The Arctic is a coffee table with dynamic waves at the bottom which generate a visual illusion that the still table appears as moving. In Chinese Five Elements, black corresponds to Water element hence the table is painted in black as well as emphasising the visual illusion of the waves. In the designer’s concept, aesthetics equals to functionality. Thus, the strips are responsible to functionality with the supporting frames whilst the waves can be also used practically: the top corners can be used as CD stands and the waves can be used as magazine stands.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe wave-inspired base of the Arctic begins with the vision of capturing the fluidity and motion of tidal waves. This idea translates into mathematical sinusoidal waves to ensure precision in the design. Through iterative prototyping, the dynamic element evolves, refining the curves and interwoven structure to create a sense of movement while maintaining stability and functionality.
The philosophy of the Chinese Five Elements plays a crucial role in the Arctic's design. The Water element, symbolized by the color black, guides the selection of materials and the visual aesthetics. The choice of painted metal strips not only provides the desired fluidity and wave-like appearance but also adheres to the cultural significance, creating a cohesive and meaningful design.
The inspiration for the dual-purpose design comes from the need to harmonize aesthetics with functionality. Observing the structure of park bench slats, I realize that incorporating gaps and interwoven strips can enhance both the visual and practical aspects of the coffee table. This approach allows the metal strips to serve as both a striking visual element and a useful storage solution, embodying the principle that contemporary design should be both beautiful and functional.
Balancing practical innovations with visual harmony is achieved through careful consideration of the table's overall design. The supporting frames and metal strips are strategically placed to ensure they provide storage without disrupting the aesthetic flow. By maintaining a consistent wave pattern and seamless integration of storage features, the table achieves a harmonious blend of utility and beauty.
The key insights that guide material simplification are driven by the desire to streamline production and enhance the design's visual impact. Reducing the number of materials to just metal strips, that allows for a more cohesive and unified look, emphasizing the wave-like dynamics. This simplification not only improves the aesthetic appeal but also facilitates a more efficient production process, aligning with both functional and economic goals, even though the table has yet to be produced.
Translating natural tidal wave movements into precise architectural forms involves a combination of mathematical modeling and physical prototyping. By using sinusoidal wave equations, the design captures the essence of natural fluidity. Through CAD software, these mathematical models are translated into detailed design plans, which are then refined through physical prototypes to ensure accuracy and stability in the final product.
The exploration of park bench slat structures is inspired by their functionality and simplicity. In public spaces, bench slats provide durable, practical seating with an open, airy design. Applying this concept to the Arctic allows for a similar blend of strength and functionality, while also introducing an element of familiarity and comfort into domestic furniture design.
The dimensions of the Arctic are determined through a balance of ergonomic and visual considerations. The width, depth, and height are chosen to ensure the table fits comfortably in various living spaces while providing ample surface area and storage. These proportions also enhance the visual impact, maintaining a sleek, elegant appearance that complements the dynamic wave design.
Winning the Bronze A' Design Award, which is the first design award I have ever won, reaffirms the importance of balancing aesthetics with functionality. This recognition encourages a continued focus on creating designs that are not only visually stunning but also practical and user-friendly. It reinforces my belief in my personal design concept and thinking, that great design should seamlessly integrate form and function. This award has inspired me to stay true to these principles and to apply them in future projects with even greater confidence.
From the Arctic project, one key insight is the value of integrating functionality with artistic expression. Emerging designers should strive to create pieces that serve practical needs while also delivering a strong visual statement. This can be achieved by understanding the interplay between materials, form, and utility, and by pushing the boundaries of traditional design to create innovative, multifaceted furniture.
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