Flow: A Modern Take on Ancient Chinese Tradition

Combining Ancient QiaoAn with Modern Design

The overall design inspiration comes from the ancient Chinese QiaoAn, a furniture piece used for art decorations and paintings. The tilted sides of QiaoAn prevented objects from falling and played a role in inheriting the new Chinese style. Lu Yi, the designer behind Flow, sought to combine this ancient tradition with modern design elements to create a table that reflects the flavor of Oriental literati.

Flow is a unique table that seamlessly blends ancient Chinese tradition with a modern, new Chinese style. The table is not only visually appealing but also provides users with a better experience in use. The use of black walnut and brass as materials adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the design.

One of the key features of Flow is its use of the Chinese mortise and tenon structure, which enhances the stability of the furniture. The production process involves a combination of semi-manual techniques and modern CNC technology. The initial design is created using Pro-E software, and then the wood parts are crafted by skilled artisans using CNC technology. Afterward, the furniture craftsmen meticulously hand-finish the product, ensuring every detail is perfect.

Flow has dimensions of 1800mm*800mm*750mm. The table panel is constructed using the medieval mortise and tenon structure, showcasing the craftsmanship and attention to detail. The metal parts are also made using CNC technology, further enhancing the precision and quality of the design.

Lu Yi led a team of talented individuals, including Jiahui Li, Jiahui Yu, Qu Dong, and Cao Xu, in bringing Flow to life. The design project started in Shenyang in September 2020 and was completed in January 2021. The finished product was exhibited at the Art Museum of China syid Design Institute in January 2021.

Combining ancient tradition with modern design was a challenge that the team successfully overcame. The goal was to create a table that not only retained the characteristics of the ancient QiaoAn but also aligned with modern lifestyles. The result is Flow, a masterpiece that seamlessly blends the past with the present.

Flow has received recognition for its exceptional design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2021. This prestigious award is given to designs that are well-designed, practical, and innovative, meeting professional and industrial requirements. Flow's integration of industry best practices and competent technical characteristics contribute to a better world.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Lu Yi
Image Credits: Lu Yi
Project Team Members: Lu Yi Jiahui Li Jiahui Yu Qu Dong Cao Xu
Project Name: Flow
Project Client: Lu Yi


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