Diagonal: A Table Redefining Geometry and Balance

Chris Chen's Award-Winning Design Introduces a New Perspective on Furniture

The concept behind Diagonal is simple yet profound. The design is based on a line segment joining two non-consecutive vertices, creating tension and forming a frame. This idea is extended to every element and compositional logic of the table, from the layout of the walnut veneer on the tabletop to the structural skeleton that transmits force from the top to the stand. The positions of the two stands are also aligned to the diagonal guideline of the desktop, further emphasizing the design's unique properties.

Diagonal is not just about aesthetics; it also offers a unique interaction. Depending on the viewer's angle, the table can appear as light as a modern steel frame glass building or as solid as a concrete structure. This dynamic balance between void and solid swings along the diagonal lines, offering a different impression from every perspective.

Constructed with a steel frame stand and a plywood tabletop with walnut veneer, Diagonal is a testament to the innovative use of materials. The main structural skeleton is embedded within the tabletop and transmits force through three mediated columns to the stand. The bevel detail of the tabletop and the technique to distance the stand from the tabletop are designed to create a floating illusion, further enhancing the table's unique appeal.

Diagonal is the result of meticulous research and design challenges. The project, which was completed in October 2017, has been recognized for its outstanding expertise and innovation. It was awarded Silver in the A' Furniture Design Award in 2021, a prestigious accolade that rewards top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs.

In conclusion, Diagonal is more than just a table. It's a piece of furniture that embodies diverse possibilities in its sleek form. As Chris Chen's design demonstrates, even the simplest of furniture pieces can be transformed into a work of art that challenges perceptions and introduces a new dialogue between void and solid.