Forma Cadira by Jaewoo Choi is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award de Ferro in Disseny de Mobiliari Competition Category.

FerroMobiliari· 2025

Forma Cadira

by Jaewoo Choi

Client: Jae Choi

A' Design Award de Ferro Winner in Mobiliari Category

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Verified Award Winner
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View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Forma Cadira

Forma és una cadira modelada a partir de cuir adobat vegetal, MDF i acer. La forma reinterpreta la silueta d'una sella de cavall. El cuir es dona forma mitjançant l'emmotllament en humit, una de les tècniques més antigues de treball del cuir, que crea formes estructurades i durables. L'emmotllament en humit permet transicions suaus entre zones toves i rígides, de manera que la cadira ofereix alhora confort i suport. Forma mesura 560 mm d'amplada, 605 mm de profunditat i 670 mm d'alçada. El disseny adapta un ofici tradicional de la sellería a un mobiliari contemporani.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award de Ferro

Forma Cadira és un guanyador del guardó A' Design Award de Ferro, un reconeixement prestigiós concedit a bons dissenys que compleixen els requisits professionals i industrials esperats de creacions ben dissenyades. Els guanyadors de Ferro demostren una gran habilitat, una alta especialització, una comprensió experta i la capacitat creativa dels seus creadors. Es preveu que Forma Cadira sigui una creació molt apreciada, admirada i estimada que és pràctica i innovadora. Aquest disseny guanyador del guardó A' Design Award de Ferro integra les millors pràctiques del sector i té característiques tècniques competents lligades al coneixement i al talent. Forma Cadira és respectat per la seva minuciositat i està pensat per oferir millores en la qualitat de vida que ajuden a fer del món un lloc millor.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: Forma reinterprets the timeless silhouette of a horse’s saddle through the technique of wet molding to shape leather into intricate, structured forms. This method enhances durability and sculptural precision, allowing for seamless transitions between softness and rigidity. By pushing the boundaries of leather manipulation, Forma highlights materiality, refinement, and fluidity, redefining traditional craftsmanship in modern fabrication while achieving both structural integrity and sculptural rhythm.
Dimensions & Packaging: Materials: Vegetable Tanned Leather / MDF / Steel
Dimensions: Width 560 mm x Depth 605 mm x Height 670mm
Tags: Leatherworking, Wet Molding, Material Exploration, Chair, Experimental Furniture Design
Production Technology: Since early civilization, leather has been valued for its versatility, offering both comfort and protection. Wet molding, one of the oldest leatherworking techniques, remains a vital method for shaping leather into structured, durable forms. Forma employs this technique to fuse soft and rigid elements with fluidity, achieving structural refinement. By leveraging this process, the design not only preserves traditional craftsmanship but also explores new possibilities in material adaptation and contemporary fabrication techniques.
Design Challenge: Wet molding is a centuries-old technique, yet its potential within contemporary design remains largely underexplored. This project challenges conventional applications by experimenting with new shaping methods, testing leather’s adaptability, and refining its structural possibilities. Through material-driven research, it seeks to expand the boundaries of craftsmanship, integrating traditional leatherworking techniques with adaptive design solutions.
Research: This project investigates the potential of wet molding through hands-on experimentation, analyzing the material’s flexibility and structural limitations. By studying how leather responds to manipulation, the research informs the development of innovative forms and explores new possibilities in furniture applications. Pushing the boundaries of this traditional craft, the study bridges material experimentation with material-driven design, redefining leather’s role in modern fabrication.
Inspiration: Forma is rooted in a deep appreciation for the transformation of raw materials through time-honored craftsmanship. Inspired by the evolution of saddlery, the project reinterprets traditional processes for new creative applications by examining how wet molding—a technique integral to equestrian gear—can be adapted for contemporary design. The interplay of structure and fluidity found in saddlery serves as the foundation for a piece that honors heritage craftsmanship while embracing design refinement.
Project Duration: The project started in January 2023 in Providence, Rhode Island, and was completed in May 2023.
Operation Flow: Designed to offer both function and sculptural presence, Forma’s structured yet fluid form allows it to serve as a seat while also acting as a statement piece. The careful balance of soft and rigid elements provides both comfort and support, making it a versatile addition to various interior spaces.
Image Credits: Image #1: Creator Jaewoo(Jae) Choi, Forma, 2023.
Image #2: Creator Jaewoo(Jae) Choi, Forma, 2023.
Image #3: Creator Jaewoo(Jae) Choi, Forma, 2023.
Image #4: Creator Jaewoo(Jae) Choi, Forma, 2023.