Reviving Oriental Landscapes: A Modern Take on Traditional Furniture

Zhenyi Chen and Jian Chen's Award-Winning Sofa Design Inspired by Ancient Chinese Art

The design's unique properties lie in its innovative use of materials and form. The backrest, wrapped in cloth of varying colors, creates a sense of depth reminiscent of mountains, symbolizing masculinity. The seat, made of transparent acrylic, is akin to a tranquil lake, embodying femininity. The interplay of these elements results in a piece that is not just a functional piece of furniture, but a work of art that evokes the serenity of oriental landscapes.

The realization of this design required the collaboration of various craftsmen, each contributing their expertise in working with different materials such as wood, acrylic, cloth, and metal. The integration of these materials was a technical challenge, particularly in ensuring the stability of the structure while maintaining its aesthetic appeal. For instance, the wooden legs pass directly through the acrylic seat and are securely fixed, while the cloth wraps around the metal or wood and is affixed to the acrylic.

One of the design's standout features is its interactive nature. The user's experience of sitting on the sofa is likened to yachting among mountains and water, offering a unique emotional experience. The design also incorporates ergonomics, ensuring physical comfort for the user. A tactfully combined tray with the sofa's legs allows users to rest, drink tea, read, and meditate, further enhancing the user experience.

The design process, which took place over three months from October 2017 to January 2018, involved extensive research into Chinese landscape painting and the lifestyle of the younger generation. The designers faced the challenge of interpreting traditional culture in a modern, internationalized form that would appeal to a wider audience. They also had to overcome technical challenges related to the integration of different materials and processing technologies.

In conclusion, Zhenyi Chen and Jian Chen's award-winning sofa design is a testament to the power of innovation and the reinterpretation of traditional culture. By successfully marrying the old and the new, they have created a piece of furniture that is not only functional but also a work of art that speaks to the aesthetic sensibilities and lifestyle of the modern generation. This design serves as an inspiration for other designers to explore more possibilities in presenting traditional culture in modern society.