Square or Circle כסא

Press Kit

Unique Properties

This chair is called Square or Circle. The most interesting feature is that the chair is held together by tension, and can be disassembled into individual pieces, which can then be rearranged and transformed into a representation of the Chinese instrument, a Liuqin. This design can satisfy both functional and aesthetic needs. Meanwhile, it also allows people to carry it easily because all parts can be dismantled for transportation.

Dimensions & Packaging

432mm x 534mm x 1143mm
All parts can be dismantled for transportation.

Tags

Chair, Chinese style, Disassembled, Wood, Joinery

Production Technology

It is made of cherry, walnut, fiber rope and hardware. The whole chair was joined together by different parts (seat, back, legs, and stretcher) without using glue, nails, and screws. Meanwhile, it holds together by a rope in tension.

Design Challenge

The challenge of this design is that one design can be fitted in both forms a chair form and a representation of Liuqin.

Research

The purpose of this design is to inspire people to think and appreciate differently about furniture. The chair is not only a piece of functional furniture but also attracts people to explore different cultural traditions. The design applies some Chinese elements to represent Chinese cultures, such as the color of Chinese red, and the yin and yang circle which is from the traditional Chinese philosophy.

Inspiration

This design is inspired by a traditional Chinese instrument Liuqin and the Italian Strozzi chair. The purpose of the design is to communicate the different cultures of Eastern and Western to modern audiences. I want to explore the cultural differences and similarities by using my design as a vehicle because I am experiencing it.

Project Duration

This project started in March 2016 and finished in May 2016 at Iowa state university. It was exhibited in The 22nd International Juried Exhibition of Contemporary Fine Craft, Wayne Art Center, Wayne, PA, the USA in December 2016.

Operation Flow

The chair was joined together without using glue, nails, and screws. Meanwhile, it holds together by a rope in tension. Users can lose the rope, then disassemble the chair in different pieces.

Image Credits

Image #1: Photographer George Ensley, Square or Circle
Image #2: Photographer George Ensley, Square or Circle
Image #3: Photographer George Ensley, Square or Circle
Image #4: Photographer George Ensley, Square or Circle
Image #5: Photographer George Ensley, Square or Circle