Nova Couchtisch by Hongji Yin is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award in Bronze in Möbeldesign Competition Category.

BronzeMöbel· 2026

Nova Couchtisch

by Hongji Yin

Client: Hongji Yin

A' Design Award in Bronze Winner in Möbel Category

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The Design

About Nova Couchtisch

Nova ist ein Couchtisch, der von der Keimung und dem Wachstum von Pflanzen inspiriert ist. Die geschwungene Tischplatte und die Beine folgen dem Prinzip des Phototropismus und verleihen der Form einen weichen, organischen Charakter. Eine asymmetrische Anordnung lässt eher an einen wachsenden Organismus als an ein statisches Objekt denken. Nova ist aus schwarzem Walnussholz gefertigt, das gewählt wurde, um das Thema Natur und Wachstum zum Ausdruck zu bringen; die Oberflächenbehandlung bewahrt eine natürliche Textur. Der Tisch misst 34,5 cm in der Höhe, 81,5 cm in der Breite und 94 cm in der Tiefe. Der Entwurf sucht die Balance zwischen organischer Form und alltäglicher Funktion.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award in Bronze

Nova Couchtisch ist Gewinner des A' Design Award in Bronze, einer hochprestigeträchtigen Anerkennung für herausragende Designs, die sich durch Kreativität, Einfallsreichtum und Scharfsinn auszeichnen. Bronze-Gewinner sind reichlich geschickte und auffallend kreative Artefakte, die die große Erfahrung, Fantasie und Findigkeit ihrer Designer belegen. Von Nova Couchtisch wird erwartet, dass es ein hochgeschätztes, bewundertes und geliebtes Objekt ist, das bemerkenswert professionell und innovativ ist. Dieses mit dem A' Design Award in Bronze prämierte Design verkörpert bewährte Verfahren in Kunst, Wissenschaft, Design und Technologie und ist hervorragend in seiner Liebe zum Detail. Nova Couchtisch befriedigt Bedürfnisse auf großartige Weise, berührt Wünsche, bezaubert Gefühle und spricht die Neugier an.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: Nova integrates biology with design, going beyond mere bioinspiration, biomorphism, and biomimicry and delving deeply into the intricate mechanisms of biological behavior and ecological systems. This coffee table challenges the conventional design boundaries, tackling the symbiotic relationship between nature and human creativity. Adopting an asymmetrical form, Nova stands not only as a static furniture but also as a growing life form, continuously infusing vitality into users' daily lives.
Dimensions & Packaging: Height 34.5cm x Width 81.5cm x Depth 94cm
Tags: Biological Design, Phototropism, Asymmetrical Form, Black Walnut, Sustainability.
Production Technology: This structural innovation strengthens the artistic expression of the furniture while reaching a new height in functionality and practicality. For instance, the curved design of the tabletop and table legs imitates the natural curves of plants, offering users a soft and organic sense. In terms of material selection, the choice of black walnut wood can better convey the theme of nature and growth. The surface treatment adopts a process with natural texture, making the whole furniture more vital.
Design Challenge: The core challenge I encountered was to transcend mere surface-level bio-inspired design and engage in a more profound dialogue with nature. To maintain a nuanced balance between functionality and organic form was tricky as it necessitates not only aesthetic grasp but also structural calculation. Consequently, this project is a result of successfully translating organic form and plant behavior into furniture structure.
Research: By thoroughly investigating strategies of applying natural strategies to innovation, I discovered the essence of "Bio-Logical design," which inherited the features of historical design concepts such as biomimicry and organicism. It is a novel paradigm that goes beyond nature-inspired design methodology, exploring the inner logic of natural elements. By applying functional and harmoniously operated principles in the design realm, I intend to readjust the relationship between humans and nature.
Inspiration: Inspired by the germination and growth of plants, this project resonates with the beginning of life and its vigorous development. By incorporating the idea of phototropism into the morphological design of the tabletop and table legs, I intend to express the pursuit of energy and vitality. After contemplating the essence of biological systems, I created this furniture that transcends typical bio-inspired design, embodies aesthetic beauty, and serves functional and sustainable purposes.
Project Duration: The project started as a design in October 2023 in Los Angeles and finished in March 2024 in Los Angeles.
Operation Flow: In a living space, Nova is not only an aesthetically-pleasing coffee table but also an inspiring presence that invites deeper talks with nature. Users can engage with its surface as well as its spirit: sitting in front of this table and taking a sip of coffee, users are expected to experience the spiritual power it embedded while speculating on the profound wisdom of the natural world.
Image Credits: Image #1: Creator Hongji Yin, Nova, 2024