Bronze Furniture Design · 2017
Arctic Coffee table
- A' Design Award 2017 Bronze Winner in Furniture Design
- Awarded April 15, 2017
- CLIENT: Wai Ho Cheung
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 12,162
- Verification code 96D5DF33F9 · Verify this award
About Arctic Coffee table
The Arctic is a coffee table with dynamic waves at the bottom which generate a visual illusion that the still table appears as moving. In Chinese Five Elements, black corresponds to Water element hence the table is painted in black as well as emphasising the visual illusion of the waves. In the designer’s concept, aesthetics equals to functionality. Thus, the strips are responsible to functionality with the supporting frames whilst the waves can be also used practically: the top corners can be used as CD stands and the waves can be used as magazine stands.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Arctic is made of painted metal strips with dynamic waves at the base which make the still table appears as moving. The strips and supporting frames are interwoven useful space, as well as the waves underneath can be functional. In this coffee table, aesthetics also means functionality, which is what contemporary design should fulfil in my opinion.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Width1200mm x Depth600mm x Height420mm
- Tags
- furniture, coffee table, waves, metal, strips
- Production Technology
- Arctic is a coffee table made of looped metal strips with a wave bent at the bottom of each and fixed by supporting frames. Each strip is placed inversely to others alongside that interweave dynamic waves, like currents in ocean. In Chinese Five Elements, the corresponding colour to Water element is black. Therefore, the table is painted in black which can also emphasise the visual illusion of the moving currents.
- Design Challenge
- As the combination with those factors is always thought to be the product only appears in utopia, Arctic is created in order to challenge the mission. Incidentally, Arctic is the second version of this project. The first version was designed with 3 types of materials, so the hardest point of this project was to reduce the material types used, at the same time to keep the dynamic outlook and to emphasise it.
- Project Duration
- The project started in April 2016 in Hong Kong and finished in April 2016 in Hong Kong.
- Operation Flow
- The metal strips are responsible to in term of both aesthetics and functionality. On the top corners, the strips can be used as CD stands with the supporting frames. Moreover, the waves underneath can be used as a magazine stand. For extra, users can hang a little basket on the supporting frames beside. The dynamic waves at the bottom appear as currents in the ocean, which make the still table seems to be moving hence make the living room vigorous.
- Research
- In nowadays market, customers always demand products to fulfil the combination on 3 aspects: high functionality, low cost and high aesthetics. On the other hand, companies are always asking for products with: high profit, high market share and economy production process.
- Inspiration
- The form is inspired by tidal wave hence the inspiration is conducted to mathematical sinusoidal wave with the keyword, wave. In the meantime, the functionality is inspired by park bench slats; the structure of the slats with gaps in between is considered to be highly functional. In Chinese Five Elements, the corresponding direction to Water element is north. Thus, it is named as the largest ocean in the north, Arctic.
Colors of Arctic Coffee table
Design Interview about Arctic Coffee table
The form is inspired by tidal wave. In the meantime, the functionality is inspired by park bench slats.
The main focus was to improve the first version I did and turn it into more commercial. Therefore, my aim was to design a unique coffee table with material and production process as cheap as possible.
I will try to sell the design to a furniture company.
I took around a week to design the first version, as the first version was for publishing related to Fuorisalone 2016, Milan. Then I redesigned and finished the current version in a week after the event, which took around a month for the whole design process discretely.
I wanted to apply for the selection of a catalogue, Design for 2016 with new designs. Therefore, I created the first version, Wave ( (Please visit http://waihocheung.wixsite.com/waihocheung/wave for detail regarding the design). Afterwards, I wanted to develop the previous one into a more commercial way. Thus, Arctic was designed.
It has not been produced or used by any company yet, only a prototype was produced by myself. However, I would like to sell the production rights to a furniture company.
I am highly committed to developing a career in furniture design. Therefore, I always develop self-directed projects to fulfil my desire and to put my design concept and philosophy into practice.
Unfortunately, there was no other designer got influence.
The target customers would be people who love furniture in simple and contemporary style.
I would say the simple and economy production process, under-estimated functionality and unique outlook with the dynamic waves are the factors set apart this coffee table from others.
The current version was called Uphill originally. However, I thought the waves underneath looked like currents in ocean more than hills. Besides, in Chinese Five Elements, the corresponding colour and direction to Water element are black and north. Therefore, I renamed it as the largest ocean in the north, Arctic.
I used pencils, AutoCAD, 3ds Max, my brain and my heart.
Certainly, it would be the dynamic waves underneath which can generate a visual illusion that the still table appears as moving.
From idea development to building up CAD model, I worked on my own at each stage and I appreciate Mr. Ip’s assist by giving technical advice.
I would say that technology will be only involved during the production. This design does not contain any high technology.
My design is not exactly influenced by any analytical research, just my limited knowledge of science and knowledge of I Ching (易經).
The first version was designed with 3 types of materials, so the challenge was to reduce the types of material used, at the same time to keep the dynamic outlook and to emphasise it.
I met a Dutch designer who won the gold award at A' Design and he recommended me to apply for it.
The first version was an asymmetric design with one end opened; now Arctic is a combination with symmetric and asymmetric design elements, depends on the point of view.
It is a complete questionnaire. For more information, please feel free to request an interview.
Grand Interview about Arctic Coffee table
The wave-inspired base of the Arctic begins with the vision of capturing the fluidity and motion of tidal waves. This idea translates into mathematical sinusoidal waves to ensure precision in the design. Through iterative prototyping, the dynamic element evolves, refining the curves and interwoven structure to create a sense of movement while maintaining stability and functionality.
The philosophy of the Chinese Five Elements plays a crucial role in the Arctic's design. The Water element, symbolized by the color black, guides the selection of materials and the visual aesthetics. The choice of painted metal strips not only provides the desired fluidity and wave-like appearance but also adheres to the cultural significance, creating a cohesive and meaningful design.
The inspiration for the dual-purpose design comes from the need to harmonize aesthetics with functionality. Observing the structure of park bench slats, I realize that incorporating gaps and interwoven strips can enhance both the visual and practical aspects of the coffee table. This approach allows the metal strips to serve as both a striking visual element and a useful storage solution, embodying the principle that contemporary design should be both beautiful and functional.
Balancing practical innovations with visual harmony is achieved through careful consideration of the table's overall design. The supporting frames and metal strips are strategically placed to ensure they provide storage without disrupting the aesthetic flow. By maintaining a consistent wave pattern and seamless integration of storage features, the table achieves a harmonious blend of utility and beauty.
The key insights that guide material simplification are driven by the desire to streamline production and enhance the design's visual impact. Reducing the number of materials to just metal strips, that allows for a more cohesive and unified look, emphasizing the wave-like dynamics. This simplification not only improves the aesthetic appeal but also facilitates a more efficient production process, aligning with both functional and economic goals, even though the table has yet to be produced.
Translating natural tidal wave movements into precise architectural forms involves a combination of mathematical modeling and physical prototyping. By using sinusoidal wave equations, the design captures the essence of natural fluidity. Through CAD software, these mathematical models are translated into detailed design plans, which are then refined through physical prototypes to ensure accuracy and stability in the final product.
The exploration of park bench slat structures is inspired by their functionality and simplicity. In public spaces, bench slats provide durable, practical seating with an open, airy design. Applying this concept to the Arctic allows for a similar blend of strength and functionality, while also introducing an element of familiarity and comfort into domestic furniture design.
The dimensions of the Arctic are determined through a balance of ergonomic and visual considerations. The width, depth, and height are chosen to ensure the table fits comfortably in various living spaces while providing ample surface area and storage. These proportions also enhance the visual impact, maintaining a sleek, elegant appearance that complements the dynamic wave design.
Winning the Bronze A' Design Award, which is the first design award I have ever won, reaffirms the importance of balancing aesthetics with functionality. This recognition encourages a continued focus on creating designs that are not only visually stunning but also practical and user-friendly. It reinforces my belief in my personal design concept and thinking, that great design should seamlessly integrate form and function. This award has inspired me to stay true to these principles and to apply them in future projects with even greater confidence.
From the Arctic project, one key insight is the value of integrating functionality with artistic expression. Emerging designers should strive to create pieces that serve practical needs while also delivering a strong visual statement. This can be achieved by understanding the interplay between materials, form, and utility, and by pushing the boundaries of traditional design to create innovative, multifaceted furniture.