Haiden: A Masterpiece of Functional Art by Chung-Ah Kim

Golden A' Design Award Winner Transforms Architectural Skeletons into Versatile Furniture

In a world where architecture often goes unnoticed, Chung-Ah Kim has created a piece of furniture that not only embraces the essence of architectural frameworks but also serves multiple functions. Inspired by the beauty of unfinished buildings and her passion for practical art, Kim has designed Haiden, a bench that doubles as a shelving unit and a standalone art piece.

Chung-Ah Kim, an interior designer with a keen eye for the balance of geometric shapes, has crafted Haiden with a unique form. The design is constructed symbiotically from one side to the other, where the negative of one side results as the positive of the other and vice versa, all confined to one specific angle. This intricate mathematical organization has resulted in a clean, modern, and elegant design, warmed with the use of organic walnut wood on a solid industrial form.

Not only is Haiden aesthetically pleasing, but it is also versatile. When laid out horizontally, it serves as an indoor bench. However, when stood vertically, it transforms into a shelving unit. This versatility is a testament to Kim's background in interior design and her passion for creating practical and original art pieces.

The creation of Haiden was a meticulous process. Kim handcrafted the piece using different types of electrical saws and assembled it using the dado joint system. The materials used include walnut wood, glue, and natural wood stain. The project began in June 2011 in San Francisco and was completed in September of the same year.

Kim's dedication and innovative approach to design have not gone unnoticed. In 2012, Haiden was awarded the Golden A' Furniture Design Award. This prestigious accolade is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. They are venerated products and bright ideas that advance art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.

Chung-Ah Kim's Haiden is a testament to her ability to transform architectural inspiration into functional art. This piece is not just a bench or a shelving unit; it is a reflection of the beauty of architectural skeletons and the potential they hold when viewed from a different perspective.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Chung-Ah Kim
Image Credits: Chung-Ah Kim
Project Team Members: Chung-Ah Kim
Project Name: Haiden
Project Client: Chung-Ah Kim


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