Joe Chan's Pile Array: A Fusion of Art and Martial Arts

Breaking Boundaries with Innovative Sculpture Design

The inspiration for "Pile Array" comes from the dynamic images of traditional Chinese quincuncial piles, a martial arts practice structure. The piles, which are typically used by more than two people, create a picture of people encircling together, stretching and shrinking in a pattern that is both indefinite and interesting. Chan's design captures this fluidity and movement, turning it into a static sculpture.

The sculpture's main body is made of a steel frame, with each column measuring 50cm * 50cm in width and ranging from 500cm-900cm in length. The surfaces of the steel frame are sealed with flame-retardant plywood, and each column weighs over 500kg. The columns are grouped together in a state of mutual dependence, with the maximum vertical height reaching 700cm.

Chan's design process was not without challenges. The size of the sculpture and the materials used – stone and steel – were not typical for booth designs. Moreover, the host only provided three days for the booth setup, adding to the complexity of the project. However, with meticulous calculation and the joint efforts of all the onsite staff, the "Pile Array" was successfully assembled in time.

The "Pile Array" is not just a sculpture; it is a testament to the infinite possibilities of stone and space. It breaks away from the traditional booth design, which usually includes four columns, a zenith, and an aisle, and integrates the product into the entire space structure. In this design, the product is the space, and the space is the product.

Joe Chan's "Pile Array" was recognized for its innovative design and was awarded the Golden A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2018. This prestigious award is granted to outstanding creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, and that significantly impact the world with their desirable characteristics.