Wen-Hsin Tu's Cornnie: A Corner Seating Revolution

Exploring the Interplay Between Public and Private Spaces

Wen-Hsin Tu, a Berlin-based designer, found inspiration in the evolving dynamics of public and private spaces. As these spaces become more open, the interactions within them diversify, enriching our everyday lives but also leading to stressful situations due to the lack of retreat spaces. Cornnie, a seating series designed specifically for corner spaces, addresses this issue by offering a personal space without building a physical wall.

What sets Cornnie apart is its ability to convey a powerful message: everyone needs space for themselves. The design encourages users to step back from constant interaction and find comfort in solitude. This innovative approach to seating design showcases the strength of Wen-Hsin Tu's creative vision and his ability to challenge conventional norms.

The realization of Cornnie involved the use of bendable plywoods, glued and pressed on a mould milled by CNC. The technical specifications of the design are 1200mm*700mm*850mm, making it a compact and versatile addition to any space. The design tags associated with Cornnie include stool, seating, corner, stair, windowsill, retreat, solitary, seclusion, interaction, and get along with, reflecting its multifaceted nature.

The design process was rooted in extensive research and experimentation. Wen-Hsin Tu sat in every corner space he could find to understand how different perspectives could influence the design. Miniature models of spaces and objects were created to identify elements that could strongly connect the design with corner spaces. The final design, with its curved legs, creates a dialogue between the object and the space, hinting at novel ways of interaction.

The Cornnie project, which started in October 2018 and finished in October 2019 in Berlin, faced several challenges. The most significant of these was establishing a connection between people and corner spaces. The solution came in the form of curved legs, a design element that created a unique relationship between the object and the space, empowering users to experience their environment from a new perspective.

The Cornnie design has been recognized for its innovative approach and has been awarded the Golden A' Furniture Design Award in 2021. This prestigious accolade is granted to outstanding creations that reflect the designer's wisdom and significantly impact the world with their desirable characteristics. Wen-Hsin Tu's Cornnie is indeed a trendsetting creation that advances the fields of art, science, design, and technology.