Haleiwa Silla by Melissa Mae Tan is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2020 A' Design Award de Plata in Diseño de Mobiliario Competition Category.

PlataMobiliario· 2020

Haleiwa Silla

by Melissa Mae Tan

Client: Beyond Function

A' Design Award de Plata Winner in Mobiliario Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #99707

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Haleiwa Silla

El Haleiwa teje el ratán sostenible en curvas amplias y proyecta una silueta distinta. Los materiales naturales rinden homenaje a la tradición artesanal de Filipinas, rehecha para la actualidad. En combinación, o utilizada como pieza de declaración, la versatilidad del diseño hace que esta silla se adapte a diferentes estilos. Al crear un equilibrio entre forma y función, gracia y fuerza, arquitectura y diseño, el Haleiwa es tan cómodo como hermoso.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award de Plata

Haleiwa Silla ha ganado el A' Design Award de Plata, un reconocimiento extraordinariamente prestigioso concedido a diseños de gama alta, magníficos e impresionantes. Los ganadores de Plata son obras tremendamente brillantes y sumamente creativas que ilustran la destacada experiencia, el talento y la agudeza de sus diseñadores. Se espera que Haleiwa Silla sea una obra maravillosa y emblemática, notablemente profesional y profundamente innovadora. Este diseño ganador del A' Design Award de Plata es una invención muy notable y admirada que beneficia y hace avanzar las fronteras del arte, la ciencia, el diseño y la tecnología. Haleiwa Silla es una creación enormemente envidiada que evoca deseos, aporta sentimientos positivos y despierta asombro y admiración.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: Legacy meets contemporary. Grace meets strength. Sweeping curves seamlessly merge with striking lines. Rattan, a pliant material commonly used in indigenous Philippine furniture, gets a modern upgrade when paired with a solid metal frame. This chair's form and weave pay tribute to the rich history of the material and the artisans that have crafted pieces from it, while breaking away from tradition just enough to create a statement.
Dimensions & Packaging: 640mm width x 850mm depth x 830mm height
Tags: haleiwa, chair, rattan, woven, handmade, indigenous
Production Technology: Rattan is a sustainable material commonly used for weaving due to its durability. A cantilever design would not have been practical, and thus metal framing was used to add stability. As a nod to the handwoven rattan, the metal was manually bent to shape.
Design Challenge: Stability was a key concern. The width of the legs that connect the base to the seat posed a challenge. The design of a triangular base was the solution that balanced the structural and aesthetic. Internal support placement also posed a challenge since the design shows all of its skeletal composition. The supports had to be created and then strategically located in order to maximize stability, while being as inconspicuous as possible.
Research: The research focus for the Haleiwa was on the balance and stability based on its unconventional form. The optimum placements of supports and dimensions of elements were studied and tested throughout the prototyping period.
Inspiration: This piece was inspired by the concept of balance. The balance between strength and fluidity, modern and traditional, complexity and simplicity.
Project Duration: The chair was conceptualized in August 2019 and prototype finished October 2019. Designed and manufactured in Manila, Philippines
Operation Flow: The chair is wide enough for the user to sit comfortably in any position. Cushions are also provided for additional ease and comfort without distracting from the visual impact.
Team Members: Melissa Mae Tan
Image Credits: All images: Photographer Berwin Coroza, 2020