Forma Stolica by Jaewoo Choi is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Željezna nagrada A' Design Award in Dizajn Namještaja Competition Category.

ŽeljezoNamještaj· 2025

Forma Stolica

by Jaewoo Choi

Client: Jae Choi

Željezna nagrada A' Design Award Winner in Namještaj Category

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Verified Award Winner

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View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Forma Stolica

Forma je stolica oblikovana od biljno štavljene kože, MDF-a i čelika. Oblik reinterpretira siluetu konjskog sedla. Koža je oblikovana mokrim prešanjem, jednom od najstarijih tehnika obrade kože, koja stvara strukturirane i izdržljive forme. Mokro prešanje omogućuje glatke prijelaze između mekih i krutih područja, pa stolica pruža i udobnost i potporu. Forma mjeri 560 mm u širinu, 605 mm u dubinu i 670 mm u visinu. Dizajn prilagođava tradicionalni sedlarski zanat suvremenom namještaju.

The Recognition

About the Željezna nagrada A' Design Award

Forma Stolica je pobjednik Željezne nagrade A' Design Award, prestižnog priznanja koje se dodjeljuje dobrim dizajnima što ispunjavaju profesionalne i industrijske zahtjeve očekivane od dobro dizajniranih kreacija. Željezni pobjednici pokazuju veliku vještinu, visoku specijalizaciju, stručno razumijevanje i kreativne kapacitete svojih stvaratelja. Očekuje se da Forma Stolica bude visoko cijenjena, voljena i njegovana kreacija koja je praktična i inovativna. Ovaj dizajn koji je osvojio Željeznu nagradu A' Design Award integrira najbolje industrijske prakse i ima kompetentne tehničke karakteristike povezane sa znanjem i talentom. Forma Stolica se poštuje zbog svoje temeljitosti i dizajniran je da pruži poboljšanja kvalitete života koja pomažu da svijet postane bolje mjesto.

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.