Positive Negative: A Revolutionary Approach to Bar Design

Innovative Bar Counter by Xiaofei Cui & Yafei Ma Wins Golden A' Design Award

Designers Xiaofei Cui & Yafei Ma redefine the relationship between form and function with their award-winning bar counter design, Positive Negative. Inspired by the shapes of ice and wine bottles, this design not only stands out aesthetically but also offers practicality and convenience.

The Positive Negative bar counter is a unique blend of form and function. It consists of two bar counters - one positive and one negative, along with a set of wine rack. The tabletop is made of cork material, providing a pleasing tactile experience, while the base is crafted from metallic materials into crystal structures. The design also features three boxes around the bar for storing wine and ice, which can be conveniently moved forward as needed.

What sets this design apart is its sustainable approach. The use of cork and iron, both sustainable materials, reflects the designers' commitment to environmental considerations. The cork tabletop can be easily replaced if damaged, while the iron structure ensures durability, aligning with the low carbon lifestyle of modern society.

The bar counter is not just aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional. Wines can be stored in the wine rack on the tabletop or in the ice bucket around the base. This design allows for easy access to wine bottles without occupying additional space, offering a practical solution for bar owners and patrons alike.

The project was initiated in May 2014 and completed in April 2015 in Zhengzhou, China. It was later exhibited at the Luoyang International Exhibition Center. The design process involved overcoming challenges such as controlling the overall shape and dealing with the complexity of processing. The designers chose durability as the main factor to support the design, despite the cost and complexity involved.

The Positive Negative bar counter design is a testament to the designers' innovative approach and commitment to sustainability. It was awarded the prestigious Golden A' Furniture Design Award in 2016, a recognition given to outstanding and trendsetting creations that advance art, science, design, and technology. The copyrights for this design belong to Xiaofei Cui, as of 2016.

In conclusion, the Positive Negative bar counter is a perfect example of how form can also be function. It challenges conventional design norms and offers a fresh perspective on bar counter design. Its unique properties, coupled with its sustainable approach, make it a worthy winner of the Golden A' Design Award.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Xiaofei Cui
Image Credits: Xiaofei Cui
Project Team Members: Designer: Xiaofei Cui Yafei Ma
Project Name: Positive Negative
Project Client: Xiaofei Cui


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