Revolutionizing Meditation: Gao Fenglin's Award-Winning Seat Ware

An Innovative Approach to Cross-Legged Sitting and Meditation

Gao Fenglin's inspiration for the Meditation Seat Ware came from a review of history. Despite the prevalence of cross-legged sitting in ancient cultures, there was a noticeable lack of furniture designed specifically for this posture. Fenglin sought to fill this gap, creating a seat that not only facilitates cross-legged sitting but also helps users enter a meditative state and maintain their body's energy.

What sets the Meditation Seat Ware apart is its unique curved surface shape. This design allows for easy cross-legged sitting and evenly distributes the body's weight to the outside of the knee and thigh. As a result, users can maintain this posture for extended periods without discomfort. The seat also provides support for the caudal vertebrae, increasing waist support. This innovative design reflects both cultural traditions and ergonomic studies.

The Meditation Seat Ware is constructed with a three-dimensional metal skeleton at its core. This skeleton is then wrapped in a molded sponge for comfort, with a leather exterior for durability and aesthetics. The seat is a real product with dimensions of 840*660*290(mm).

The design process for the Meditation Seat Ware was extensive, beginning in April 2010 in Hangzhou, China, and concluding in September 2015. The seat was then exhibited at various international design fairs, including the Salone del Mobile, the iF Award Exhibition, the London Design Fair, the Tokyo Design Week, and the HK BODW. Throughout the design process, Fenglin and his team faced the challenge of creating a form without an existing reference. They overcame this obstacle through extensive testing and iteration, creating more than thirty internal metal skeletons and experimenting with different surface materials before settling on leather and bamboo weaving.

The Meditation Seat Ware is not only a product but also a testament to Gao Fenglin's innovative approach to design. It reflects a deep understanding of human ergonomics and a respect for cultural traditions. The seat has been recognized for its exceptional design and contribution to societal wellbeing, earning the Platinum A' Design Award in 2018. This award is given to designs that define an era, push the boundaries of art, science, design, and technology, and contribute to making the world a better place.