Revolutionizing Furniture: The SHANG System

SCENE SHANG's Innovative Multi-Functional Storage Solution

SCENE SHANG introduces the SHANG System, a contemporary furniture system that combines traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern functionality. This innovative design has been awarded the prestigious Golden A' Furniture Design Award in 2016, reflecting its unique blend of culture, heritage, and practicality.

The SHANG System is inspired by age-old traditional crafts, materials, and processes, adapted to meet the demands of today's dynamic lifestyle. The system's flexibility allows for quick adaptation to functional needs, transforming from a bedside table to a stool in a matter of seconds. The ease of stacking components enables the furniture system to grow with the user, catering to changing needs and spaces.

What sets the SHANG System apart is its rootedness in history and culture. The system pairs key visual elements of traditional Chinese furniture with a modular concept, allowing for a change in function and appearance according to one's preferred degree of Chinese cultural identity. This flexibility, coupled with its crafted quality, makes it a furniture system that can be handed down as a heirloom.

The SHANG System was realized through a collaboration with traditional woodworkers in China. The designers studied archetypes in traditional Chinese furniture and distilled the key visual elements to create this innovative system. The result is a furniture system that is not only functional but also a work of art, reflecting the rich history and culture of Chinese craftsmanship.

The SHANG System comprises of three components - a tray, a box drawer, and a stool. These components are put together with grooves and extrusions in the corners, held together by the sturdy weight of solid wood. This easy stacking operation does not require tools to change the look or function of the system. The system's adaptability and ease of assembly make it a perfect fit for today's fast-paced lifestyle.

The SHANG System was launched in Singapore on 3 May 2014. Its design reflects the rapidly globalizing milieu, where design ideals are quickly homogenizing. The SHANG System brings together ideals from different cultures and technologies to create a furniture system that is uniquely Singaporean, acknowledging Asian roots while being contemporary in its modular functionality.

In conclusion, the SHANG System by SCENE SHANG is a testament to the power of design innovation. It successfully blends tradition with modernity, creating a furniture system that is not only functional but also a reflection of cultural heritage. This award-winning design is a shining example of how design can bridge the gap between the past and the present, creating products that are both timeless and timely.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: SCENE SHANG
Image Credits: JESSICA WONG
Project Team Members: Jessica Wong Pamela Ting
Project Name: SHANG System
Project Client: SCENE SHANG


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