Fei Fan Li's "Simplicity": A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Revolutionizing Furniture Design with Ancient Chinese Wisdom

Fei Fan Li's "Simplicity" is a set of furniture that takes its cues from the Kong Ming Lock, an ancient Chinese toy that embodies the wisdom of the Chinese people. This toy, also known as The Eight Diagrams Lock or Lu Ban Lock, maintains balance through the use of tenon and mortise joints, without the need for any metal support. The design of "Simplicity" mirrors this principle, emphasizing the interaction between the user and the furniture and enhancing the enjoyment derived from its use.

The design process of "Simplicity" involved extensive research into the structure of the Kong Ming lock. Fei Fan Li consulted numerous ancient texts to understand the intricacies of the lock's opening and closing mechanisms. The choice of materials was also crucial, with the designer opting for a combination of soft and hard wood. After several tests, soft pine was chosen for the organs, while hard Begonia wood was used for the structure.

The specifications of the furniture pieces in the "Simplicity" set are as follows: Cabinet One measures 450mm in width, 500mm in depth, and 450mm in height. Cabinet Two has dimensions of 600mm x 500mm x 350mm (width x depth x height). The Chair measures 600mm x 750mm x 700mm, while the Clothes hanger stands at 1800mm in height and 400mm in width. Cabinet Three shares the same dimensions as Cabinet One.

"Simplicity" is not just about form and function; it's also about interaction. The process of opening the furniture pieces is akin to solving a puzzle, a feature that makes the design engaging and fun. The design project was conceived in January 2016 in Anshan, China, with construction starting in April and finishing in May of the same year.

The design faced several challenges, particularly in the selection of materials. The combination of soft and hard wood was a key aspect of the design, but it posed difficulties in the production of some organs. Eventually, the designer decided to use pine for these parts, with some structures incorporating connector tubes for added stability. Despite these challenges, "Simplicity" emerged as a winner, bagging the Silver A' Furniture Design Award in 2017. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation, and inspire positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.

In conclusion, Fei Fan Li's "Simplicity" is a testament to the power of blending tradition with innovation. It showcases the wisdom of ancient China in a modern context, resulting in a design that is not only functional and aesthetically pleasing, but also engaging and fun to use. It is a shining example of how design can transcend the ordinary and become an experience in itself.