Nova Table basse by Hongji Yin is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award de Bronze in Design de Mobilier Competition Category.

BronzeMobilier· 2026

Nova Table basse

by Hongji Yin

Client: Hongji Yin

A' Design Award de Bronze Winner in Mobilier Category

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The Design

About Nova Table basse

Nova est une table basse inspirée de la germination et de la croissance des plantes. Le plateau et les pieds galbés s'inspirent du phototropisme, conférant à la forme un caractère doux et organique. Une disposition asymétrique évoque un organisme en pleine croissance plutôt qu'un objet statique. Nova est réalisée en bois de noyer noir, choisi pour exprimer le thème de la nature et de la croissance, et le traitement de surface préserve une texture naturelle. La table mesure 34,5 cm de hauteur, 81,5 cm de largeur et 94 cm de profondeur. Le design recherche un équilibre entre forme organique et fonction quotidienne.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award de Bronze

Nova Table basse est lauréat de l'A' Design Award de Bronze, une reconnaissance hautement prestigieuse décernée à des designs remarquables qui se distinguent par leur créativité, leur ingéniosité et leur sagacité. Les lauréats Bronze sont des artefacts amplement habiles et d'une créativité frappante, qui authentifient la vaste expérience, l'imagination et l'ingéniosité de leurs concepteurs. Nova Table basse est censé être un objet très estimé, admiré et chéri, remarquablement professionnel et innovant. Ce design lauréat de l'A' Design Award de Bronze intègre les meilleures pratiques de l'art, de la science, du design et de la technologie, et est excellent par son souci du détail. Nova Table basse satisfait admirablement les besoins, touche les désirs, charme les sentiments et attire la curiosité.

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