Smile - Chair: A Design that Reflects Growth and Elegance

Unveiling the Unique Features of Xu Le's Innovative Chair Design

The inspiration behind the Smile - Chair stems from the designer's observation of the natural world. The backrest of the chair resembles a slightly raised corner of the mouth, giving it its name. The armrests, front legs, and rear legs of the chair visually mimic a piece of wood that has been split and grown, symbolizing the concept of growth in everything. The delicate lines of the armrest and backrest resemble silk, creating a light and supple aesthetic that exudes elegance and tension. This unique design also creates a captivating shadow effect, adding depth and intrigue to the chair's overall appearance.

What sets the Smile - Chair apart from other designs is its innovative use of advanced cold-curved wood technology. This technique allows the chair to achieve a natural solid wood feel while minimizing the use of materials. The result is a chair that not only exudes a sense of nobility but also showcases the inherent strength and flexibility of wood. The meticulous production process further emphasizes the chair's warmth and craftsmanship, making it a true labor of love for its owner.

The Smile - Chair is brought to life through the wood bending process, utilizing high-quality materials such as beech and North American walnut. The chair's dimensions, measuring at 597*484*760 (mm), and weight of 4.8 kg, ensure a comfortable and practical seating experience. Its compact design also makes it suitable for various spaces, whether it be a cozy living room or a stylish office.

Throughout the design process, Xu Le faced several challenges in realizing his vision. The flowing curves that connect the armrests and stool legs presented a significant production challenge, requiring meticulous attention to detail. To overcome this obstacle, the designer extensively collaborated with woodworkers, utilizing 3D printed models and detailed drawings to minimize errors and ensure the faithful reproduction of the design. The use of wood's hot bending technology for the armrests and the domino connection structure for the seat back further exemplify the designer's commitment to preserving the integrity of the design.

The Smile - Chair not only showcases Xu Le's creative prowess but has also garnered recognition in the design community. The design was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2021. This prestigious accolade celebrates designs that demonstrate exceptional creativity, resourcefulness, and technical skill, contributing to improvements in quality of life.

With its unique blend of artistry, functionality, and elegance, Xu Le's Smile - Chair is a true testament to the designer's dedication to creating exceptional pieces of furniture. Its visually striking design, meticulous craftsmanship, and innovative use of materials make it a standout addition to any space, elevating both aesthetics and comfort.