Craft Trend Fair Seoul, 'Onn'

Exhibition booth designed by Shinjae Kang and Heeyoung Choi

The exhibition booth for Onn, a brand specializing in hand-crafted furniture and products, was a unique and visually stunning space. Designed by Shinjae Kang and Heeyoung Choi, the booth aimed to remind visitors of a natural landscape. The interior of the booth resembled a misty lakeside, with walls made from traditional paper Hanji stained to create a natural gradient.

Walking through the booth, visitors felt like they were taking a stroll on a foggy morning. The narrow openings at each end of the booth allowed visitors to walk through the space over a gravel pathway, further enhancing the immersive experience. The furniture in the booth was positioned at the edges, placed over a dark mirrored surface reminiscent of water.

The construction of the booth was a meticulous process. The walls were constructed using traditional materials such as woods, gravels, mirrors, and fabrics. The walls stood at a height of 4 meters and were made from Hanji, a traditional Korean paper. The Hanji was stained in a gradation from dark to light, creating the appearance of a misty landscape. The designers experimented with different textures of Hanji and used mulberry and hemp fibers to achieve the best result.

The booth's specifications included a space measuring 6000mm x 15000mm x 4000mm. The design wall was constructed using modules measuring 1180mm x 300mm x 2000mm. The booth also featured black mirrors on both sides, measuring 1200mm x 13000mm. The main path within the booth was covered with black gravels measuring 3cm in diameter, while the side paths were covered with gravels measuring 1-2cm in diameter.

The construction of the booth was completed within a tight timeframe of 24 hours. The designers assembled prepared frames for the flooring and modules for the walls on-site. The display wall, measuring 3000mm x 400mm x 3000mm, was manufactured in advance and covered with the prepared Hanji. T5 lights were placed inside the thick walls to showcase the textures and depth of the gradated Hanji.

The Craft Trend Fair Seoul exhibition took place from December 21 to December 24, 2012, at Coex in Seoul. The booth was a standout attraction, showcasing the unique craftsmanship and design philosophy of Onn. The designers faced challenges in replicating the traditions of Korea through the space, but their meticulous research and experimentation paid off, resulting in a visually stunning and immersive experience for visitors.

The Craft Trend Fair Seoul, 'Onn' exhibition booth was recognized for its outstanding design and innovation. It was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2014. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate exceptional expertise, innovation, and artistic skill. The booth's ability to create a remarkable level of excellence and evoke positive emotions and wonder contributed to its recognition.