Boundary: A Unique and Thought-Provoking Rug

Exploring the Intersection of Design and Social Issues

The idea for Boundary came to Yunhyun Park while visiting a museum and being captivated by an old map. The delineations, dynamic mountain ridges, and boundaries of the land sparked a strong feeling that a map could be transformed into a textile. The result is a rug that is not only highly symbolic and informative but also aesthetically pleasing.

What sets Boundary apart from other rugs is its unique shape and asymmetry. The hand-drawn topographic patterns provide a sensory experience that creates emotional value, reflecting geographic information. These patterns are not chosen solely for their beauty or personal preference; they also aim to represent regions where territory disputes occur, subtly reminding people of social issues.

One of the strengths of Boundary is its customizability. The rug can be easily tailored to suit different settings or spaces, making it a versatile design choice. Additionally, the material used is synthetic leather made from recycled materials, ensuring easy maintenance and durability.

Each Boundary rug is completely unique, with different scales, materials, and parts. This adds to the rug's appeal, as it becomes a one-of-a-kind piece of art that can spark conversations and connections.

Boundary serves multiple functions. Firstly, it functions as a special accent in both private and public spaces. Its abstract shape and unique patterns make it a standout piece that adds character to any room. Secondly, the topographic patterns turn into elegant and informative flat art, reflecting cultural issues. This design approach encourages users to think beyond the obvious and fosters a sense of cultural connection.

The Boundary project started in March 2014 and was completed in September 2014 in Basel, Switzerland. Throughout the design process, extensive research was conducted, focusing on social issues, aesthetic aspects, and innovative materials. Prototypes were developed using actual-size paper models and experimented with in various scales and different parts.

One of the challenges faced during the design process was departing from the traditional symmetrical and repetitive patterns often found in rugs. Yunhyun Park aimed to create a design that was visually engaging and socially relevant. The result is a rug that not only adds beauty to a space but also prompts viewers to notice and reflect upon social issues.

The Boundary rug, with its unique design and thought-provoking concept, has been recognized with the prestigious A' Design Award in 2015. This award acknowledges the rug's well-designed, practical, and innovative nature, meeting professional and industrial requirements. It is respected for integrating industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, contributing to a better world.