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Forma Cathaoir by Jaewoo Choi

Forma Cathaoir by Jaewoo Choi is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Duais Iarainn A' Design Award in Dearadh Troscáin Competition Category.


IarannTroscán· 2025

Forma Cathaoir

by Jaewoo Choi

Client: Jae Choi

Duais Iarainn A' Design Award Winner in Troscán Category

Colors

The Design

About Forma Cathaoir

Is cathaoir í Forma atá múnlaithe as leathar plandaithe, MDF agus cruach. Athléiríonn an fhoirm leagan amach diallait chapaill. Múnlaítear an leathar trí fhliuchmhúnlú, ceann de na seantheicnící oibre leathair is sine, a chruthaíonn foirmeacha struchtúrtha agus buanfasacha. Ceadaíonn fliuchmhúnlú aistrithe míne idir codanna boga agus daingne, ionas go dtugann an chathaoir compord agus tacaíocht araon. Tomhaiseann Forma 560 mm ar leithead, 605 mm ar doimhneacht agus 670 mm ar airde. Oiriúnaíonn an dearadh seanchraft diallaite do throscán comhaimseartha.

The Recognition

About the Duais Iarainn A' Design Award

Bhuaigh an dearadh Forma Cathaoir Duais Iarainn A' Design Award, aitheantas gradamach a bhronntar ar dhea-dhearaí a chomhlíonann na riachtanais ghairmiúla agus thionsclaíocha a bhíonn á n-éileamh ó chruthuithe a ndearnadh go maith iad. Léiríonn buaiteoirí Iarainn scil mhór, speisialtóireacht ard, tuiscint saineolaí agus cumas cruthaitheach a gcruthaitheoirí. Táthar ag súil go mbeidh an dearadh Forma Cathaoir ina chruthú a bhfuil an-mheas air, a n-ardaítear agus a ghráitear atá praiticiúil agus nuálach. Comhtháthaíonn an dearadh seo a bhuaigh Duais Iarainn A' Design Award na cleachtais is fearr sa tionscal agus tá saintréithe teicniúla inniúla aige nasctha le heolas agus le tallann. Tá meas ar an dearadh Forma Cathaoir as a dhúthracht agus dearadh é chun feabhsuithe cáilíochta beatha a sholáthar a chabhraíonn leis an domhan a dhéanamh ina áit níos fearr.

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.

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