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Lisa J. Lai's Balanco Stackable Stools command immediate visual attention through their striking geological morphology, presenting a collection of seven faceted forms arranged in a dynamic…

Balanco Stackable Stools by Lisa Lai and Joel Wong is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2022 Silver A' Design Award in Furniture Design Competition Category.


SilverFurniture· 2022

Balanco Stackable Stools

by Lisa Lai and Joel Wong

Client: Tati

Silver A' Design Award Winner in Furniture Category

24,908

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #129786

Colors

The Design

About Balanco Stackable Stools

Balanco is a set of stackable blocks that serve as seating, tables and play objects. The multifaceted blocks can be arranged, positioned and stacked in many ways. Balancing the blocks requires patience and calmness, so Balanco can be shared by friends and families at home. The structure is foam based and lightweight, and the earth-tone felt finish is soft to touch. The blocks are safe for young children and remain solid enough for adults to sit on. Varying sizes suit the heights of both children and adults.

The Recognition

About the Silver A' Design Award

Balanco Stackable Stools is a Silver A' Design Award winner, an extraordinarily prestigious recognition granted to top-of-the-line, gorgeous, and impressive designs. Silver winners are tremendously brilliant and exceedingly creative works that illustrate the outstanding expertise, talent, and acuity of their designers. Balanco Stackable Stools is expected to be a wonderful, showpiece work that is remarkably professional and profoundly innovative. This Silver A' Design Award-winning design is a highly notable, admired invention that benefits and advances the boundaries of art, science, design, and technology. Balanco Stackable Stools is a vastly envied creation that evokes desires, introduces positive feelings, and sparks amazement and wonderment.

Where to Get It

Furniture and Spatial Design Services

We create award-winning furniture and spatial designs that enhance human connections. Specializing in residential, commercial, and performance spaces, we blend narrative with technology to deliver emotionally engaging environments that transform how people interact.

Discuss Your Project

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties
Balanco consists of a series of multifaceted blocks, offering unlimited possibilities to arrange, position, and stack. As it requires significant patience and calmness to balance the blocks, it serves as one of the practical yet fun solutions for friends and families to enjoy with one another. When it is not used as objects for play, it doubles as stools and tables for adults and children.
Dimensions & Packaging
Largest block- 600mm x 450mm x 350mm
Smallest block- 350mm x 350mm x 350mm
Felt finishing and foam-based structure.
Tags
stool, table, toy, furniture, children, stacking, facets, play, kids, family
Production Technology
The lightweight and solid structure makes it suitable and safe for young children. The earth-tone felt finish aims to invite nature vibes into the house. It is soft and comfortable to touch.
Design Challenge
The challenge was to create a series of stackable furniture that is lightweight and safe for children even when the blocks topple over. At the same time, it is solid and strong for adults to sit and stand on them. This obstacle was overcomed as we experimented with various materials, details and manufacturing methods.
Research
The design intent was to deliver a design with a strong concept, through aesthetic simplicity.
Inspiration
With the persistence of the pandemic, staying at home has become a new norm. In most highly populated and dense cities, finding peace and mental wellness can be difficult. Inspired by the pebble towers, Balanco offers a way to find physical and inner balance, while learning to collaborate with others in the process of playing.
Project Duration
The project started in October 2020, and finished in December 2020. It was documented and exhibited as part of the HKTDC's programme in Hong Kong.
Operation Flow
Balanco functions as play objects, stools and tables. The varying sizes accommodate the ergonomics and heights from young children to adults.
Team Members
Lisa J. Lai and Joel Wong
Image Credits
Lisa J. Lai, 2020

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