Revolutionizing Furniture Design: Xu Le's Square and Round Stool

A Multifunctional Stool with a Unique Blend of Ancient Culture and Modern Innovation

The Square and Round stool, designed with the lifestyle characteristics of the 90s in mind, is crafted from original wood and acrylic. The transparent acrylic surface showcases the internal structure, providing a novel visual experience. The stool serves a dual purpose - when placed straight, it functions as a lightweight stool, and when turned upside down, it transforms into a side table with a compartment for storing small items.

The stool's connection method employs the traditional double dovetail key structure, eliminating the need for metal connections. This design allows for easy disassembly by hand, adding an element of enjoyment to the user experience. The stool's elegant and concise shape is a testament to the successful integration of structure, aesthetics, wisdom, and technology.

The production of the Square and Round stool involves a wood bending process, using beech as the primary material. With a product size of 320*320*450 (mm), a weight of 1.8 kg, and a volume of 0.1 m3, the stool's flat packaging design significantly reduces transportation costs, making it suitable for online sales.

The project, which began in April 2017 in Hangzhou, was completed in August 2019. The design team, comprising Xu Le, Bao Liyuan, Yang Cunyuan, Gu Wanwan, and Zhang Wen, faced the challenge of creating an innovative Luban lock structure. The successful implementation of this structure, which allows for the stool's disassembly only when unlocked, is a testament to the team's creativity and technical prowess.

The Square and Round stool's unique design and functionality have not gone unnoticed. In 2021, it was awarded the Golden A' Furniture Design Award, a prestigious accolade granted to outstanding creations that advance art, science, design, and technology. This award is a testament to the stool's extraordinary excellence and significant impact on the world of design.