Ning Collection: A Modern Interpretation of Ming-Style Round-Backed Armchairs

Infusing Ancient Culture into Modern Life

The inspiration for the Ning Collection comes from the curves of the female body and the silhouette of the Ming-style rounded-back armchair. The design features a straight back and round arm, creating a harmonious balance between the curves of the human body and the seat. The name "Ning" holds multiple meanings in Mandarin - as a noun, it is an ancient family surname; as a verb, it means the act of wishing and hoping; and as an adjective, it expresses a state of peacefulness and tranquility.

What sets the Ning Collection apart is its module design, offering six different typologies that can adapt to various environments and purposes. Each chair in the collection serves multiple functions and can be easily customized by changing components. This versatility makes the Ning Collection suitable for a wide range of settings, from residential spaces to public areas.

The realization of the Ning Collection involves the use of advanced technology. The components are carved using a CNC machine from ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and then assembled together. The frames are made of standard metric steel tubes with a powder-coated finish, ensuring durability and stability.

With its sleek and modern design, the Ning Collection is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical. The dimensions of the chairs are carefully considered to provide comfort and functionality. The seat height is 480mm, seat depth is 400mm, and seat width is 476mm. The frame comes in black, gray, or silver, while the seat is available in black.

Jong-Ron Lo, the designer behind the Ning Collection, conducted extensive research to create this innovative design. The project started in June 2016 and was completed in September 2017 in Taiwan. Lo's research included a review of the history of the Ming-style round-backed armchair, spatial analysis, and hermeneutic exploration. The result of this research is the six different typologies that make up the Ning Collection.

The design challenge for Lo was to find a new solution to conserve the aesthetic object of the Ming-style round-backed armchair while achieving usability for multiple purposes. The innovative joint design for the six types of chairs in the collection showcases Lo's creativity and technical expertise.

The Ning Collection has received recognition for its outstanding design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2019. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to improvements in quality of life.

With its blend of tradition and modernity, the Ning Collection offers a unique and versatile seating solution. Whether in a contemporary home or a public space, these chairs bring a touch of elegance and cultural heritage to any environment.