Placid: A Modern Twist on Traditional Chinese Armchairs

Combining Elegance and Simplicity in Furniture Design

Inspired by the armchairs of the Ming dynasty, Placid is a unique fusion of traditional Chinese style and modern design. Created by Wei Jingye, Zhang Ruiqi, and Li Gangchi, this chair embodies the placid and stable aesthetic of the past while incorporating the beauty of contemporary design.

Placid stands out from other furniture designs with its ability to seamlessly blend the elegance of traditional Chinese furniture with the simplicity of modern pieces. The ergonomic seat design and the integration of Chinese wisdom and modern technology through the half mortise and tenon structure make it suitable for a variety of home decor styles.

The chair is crafted using solid wood, with parts meticulously assembled through a combination of numerical control and manual processing. The main materials used are black walnut, brass, and leather, resulting in a visually stunning and durable piece of furniture.

Throughout the design process, the team faced the challenge of integrating Chinese style into a modern design while ensuring the structural integrity of the chair. Additionally, they prioritized the overall comfort of the furniture, ensuring that it provides a comfortable resting area while also serving as a decorative element in any space.

The Placid project started in Shenyang in September 2018 and was completed in January 2019. It was later exhibited at the Art Museum of the Academy of Fine Arts in Shenyang in June 2019, showcasing the team's dedication and craftsmanship.

Placid's design was inspired by Chinese landscape paintings, with large areas of white space highlighting key points. The metal elements underneath the solid wood are designed to create a sense of tension and release. Rounded corners are used throughout the design, reminiscent of the graceful lines found in traditional Chinese art. The slender legs of the chair draw inspiration from the delicate brushstrokes of Song Huizong's calligraphy, adding a touch of elegance to the overall design.

This exceptional design was recognized with the Bronze A' Furniture Design Award in 2019. The award celebrates designs that showcase creativity, resourcefulness, and technical skill, contributing to improvements in quality of life and making the world a better place.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Wei Jingye
Image Credits: Wei Jingye
Project Team Members: Wei Jingye Zhang Ruiqi Li Gangchi Ge Nairu Xue Jiahui
Project Name: Placid
Project Client: Wei Jingye


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