Forma Apyka by Jaewoo Choi is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award Fiero in Mba'epyru Jejapo Competition Category.

FieroMba'epyru· 2025

Forma Apyka

by Jaewoo Choi

Client: Jae Choi

A' Design Award Fiero Winner in Mba'epyru Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #169940

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Forma Apyka

Forma ha'e peteĩ apyka ojejapóva kuero vaka rehegua ojeplantáva ka'avo rupive, MDF ha fierro reheve. Iñapyra'ỹ ojehechauka jeýma peteĩ kavaju rape apyka (montura) rapekue. Kuéra ojejapo ojehykuavõ rupive iny, peteĩ kuéra apo mba'apo yma guasuetéva, ojapóva forma imbaretéva ha opytáva are. Ko techapyrã "wet molding" ombojoaju porã umi tenda mbegue ha umi tenda hatãva, upévare apyka ome'ẽ jehecharamo ha jeko'ẽ jointeve. Forma ipe 560 mm ipe, 605 mm ipykue ha 670 mm iyvatéva. Ko jehai omoambue peteĩ mba'apo yma vaka rehegua muebléra ko'agãguápe.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Fiero

Forma Apyka ohupyty A' Design Award Fiero, peteĩ ñehechakuaa prestigioso oñeme'ẽva diseño iporã-pe ohupytýva requisito profesional ha industrial oñeha'ãrõva creación iporã oñemoĩva-gui. Umi ganador Fiero ohechauka habilidad guasu, especialización yvate, comprensión experta ha capacidad creativa umi creador rehegua. Oñeha'ãrõ Forma Apyka ha'eha creación ojehayhúva, admirada ha estimada, práctica ha innovadora. Ko diseño ohupytýva A' Design Award Fiero ombojoaju mejor práctica industria rehegua ha oguereko característica técnica competente ojoajúva conocimiento ha talento ndive. Forma Apyka oñerespeta hembiapo cuidadoso rupi ha oñemoĩ ome'ẽ hag̃ua mejora calidad de vida rehegua oipytyvõva yvy ape iporãve hag̃ua.

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.