Forma Oche by Jaewoo Choi is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Ihe Nrite A' Design Award nke Igwe in Nhazi Ngwá Ụlọ Competition Category.

IgweNgwá Ụlọ· 2025

Forma Oche

by Jaewoo Choi

Client: Jae Choi

Ihe Nrite A' Design Award nke Igwe Winner in Ngwá Ụlọ Category

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View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

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The Design

About Forma Oche

Forma bụ oche e jiri akpụkpọ anụ e siri site na osisi (vegetable tanned leather), MDF na igwe kpụọ. Ụdịdị ya na-akọwaghachi ọdịdị nchara ịnyịnya. A na-akpụ akpụkpọ anụ ahụ site n'ụzọ mmiri mmiri (wet molding), nke bụ otu n'ime usoro ịrụ ọrụ akpụkpọ anụ ochie kacha, nke na-emepụta ụdịdị e wusiri ike na nke na-adịgide. Wet molding na-enye ohere maka mgbanwe dị nro n'etiti mpaghara dị nro na nke siri ike, ya mere oche a na-enye ma mmasị ma nkwado. Forma dị 560 mm n'obosara, 605 mm n'ime ime ya na 670 mm n'ịdị elu. Nhazi a na-eweta ọrụ ọka aka ochie nke ịkpa ígwè ịnyịnya (saddlery) n'ime ngwa ụlọ nke oge a.

The Recognition

About the Ihe Nrite A' Design Award nke Igwe

Forma Oche meriri A' Design Award nke Igwe, nnabata dị ugwu e nyere design ndị dị mma nke na-emezu ihe ndị a chọrọ n'ọrụ na ụlọ ọrụ nke a na-atụ anya n'ihe e kere eke ndị e mere nke ọma. Ndị meriri na Igwe na-egosi nka buru ibu, ọkachamara dị elu, nghọta ọkachamara na ikike imepụta nke ndị kere ha. A na-atụ anya na Forma Oche ga-abụ ihe e kere eke a na-asọpụrụ nke ukwuu, a na-eto na a hụrụ n'anya nke bụ ihe bara uru ma dị ọhụrụ. Design a meriri A' Design Award nke Igwe na-ejikọta ụzọ kacha mma nke ụlọ ọrụ ma nwee àgwà teknụzụ kwesịrị ekwesị jikọtara na ihe ọmụma na talent. A na-asọpụrụ Forma Oche maka nlezianya ya ma e mere ya ka ọ nye mmeziwanye ndụ nke na-enyere aka ime ka ụwa bụrụ ebe ka mma.

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.