Chair of Soul

Designing a Chair for Relaxation and Comfort

Chairs have always been an essential piece of furniture in our homes. They have evolved over time, but their importance remains unchanged. Wen Jenq Cherng, the designer behind Chair of Soul, aimed to create a chair that would be passed down through generations while maintaining its quintessential appeal.

Chair of Soul is the result of Wen Jenq Cherng's meditation practice, which focuses on destressing and calming the body and mind. The design of the chair reflects a completely relaxed condition for the body. The chair's function takes center stage, with the user sitting upright and their upper-body weight perfectly supported through the chair's height, backrest, and armrests.

The slightly bulging backrest of Chair of Soul embraces the body, offering support to the shoulders, neck, waist, and limbs. This unique design relieves tension and provides a comforting sensation akin to a hug. The chair draws inspiration from Chinese traditional Ming Dynasty style furniture, incorporating elegant and simple exterior design principles and proportions.

The chair's structural system features a unique arc structure that connects the legs and the seat. This enhancement not only strengthens the mechanics of the chair but also creates a simplistic and spiritual appearance. The mortice and tenon joint further reinforces the chair's composition, improving its overall stability.

Chair of Soul is made using ebony sourced from Sulawesi, Indonesia. The choice of material is crucial for a chair aimed at improving the user's health. The fine material and deep-black colored lines of ebony perfectly embody the sophistication that the chair exhibits. The metallic copper tube legs and the purple cow Nappa leather seat create a harmonious and elegant combination, ensuring both stability and sustainability.

The Chair of Soul project began in December 2016 and was completed in December 2018. Throughout the design process, Wen Jenq Cherng conducted extensive research to ensure that the chair not only fulfilled its functional requirements but also provided a visually appealing and comfortable experience for the user.

Chair of Soul has received recognition for its outstanding design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2020. This prestigious award is bestowed upon designs that exhibit creativity, resourcefulness, and technical excellence. Chair of Soul stands out for its incorporation of best practices in art, science, design, and technology, contributing to improvements in quality of life.

Chair of Soul is not just a chair; it is a piece of furniture that invites a conversation with the user's soul. Its design, inspired by meditation and focused on relaxation and comfort, sets it apart from other chairs in the market. Wen Jenq Cherng's creation is a testament to the fusion of art, design, and functionality in the realm of furniture.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Wen Jenq Cherng
Image Credits: Wen Jenq Cherng
Project Team Members: Designer: Wen-Jenq Cherng
Project Name: Soul
Project Client: Wen Jenq Cherng


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