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Nova コーヒーテーブル by Hongji Yin

Nova コーヒーテーブル by Hongji Yin is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award 銅賞 in 家具デザイン Competition Category.


銅家具· 2026

Nova コーヒーテーブル

by Hongji Yin

Client: Hongji Yin

A' Design Award 銅賞 Winner in 家具 Category

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Verified Award Winner

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Colors

The Design

About Nova コーヒーテーブル

Novaは、植物の発芽と成長から着想を得たコーヒーテーブルです。曲線を描く天板と脚は屈光性の考え方に沿っており、柔らかく有機的な佇まいを生み出しています。左右非対称の構成は、静的なオブジェクトではなく、成長し続ける生命体を思わせます。Novaはブラックウォールナット材を用いており、自然と成長というテーマを表現するために選ばれ、表面仕上げは自然な質感を活かしています。サイズは高さ34.5cm、幅81.5cm、奥行き94cmです。このデザインは、有機的なフォルムと日常的な機能性との均衡を追求しています。

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award 銅賞

Nova コーヒーテーブルは、創造性、独創性、鋭い洞察力で際立つ傑出したデザインに授与される、高い権威をもつ評価である A' Design Award 銅賞の受賞作品です。銅賞の受賞作品は、十分に巧みで印象的なほど創造的な工芸品であり、デザイナーの豊富な経験、想像力、機知を裏づけています。Nova コーヒーテーブルは、高く評価され、称賛され、愛される品であり、顕著にプロフェッショナルで革新的であることが期待されます。この A' Design Award 銅賞を受賞したデザインは、芸術・科学・デザイン・技術のベストプラクティスを取り入れており、細部への配慮に優れています。Nova コーヒーテーブルは、ニーズを見事に満たし、欲求に触れ、感情を魅了し、好奇心を引きつけます。

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties
Nova integrates biology with design, going beyond mere bioinspiration, biomorphism, and biomimicry and delving deeply into the intricate mechanisms of biological behavior and ecological systems. This coffee table challenges the conventional design boundaries, tackling the symbiotic relationship between nature and human creativity. Adopting an asymmetrical form, Nova stands not only as a static furniture but also as a growing life form, continuously infusing vitality into users' daily lives.
Dimensions & Packaging
Height 34.5cm x Width 81.5cm x Depth 94cm
Tags
Biological Design, Phototropism, Asymmetrical Form, Black Walnut, Sustainability.
Production Technology
This structural innovation strengthens the artistic expression of the furniture while reaching a new height in functionality and practicality. For instance, the curved design of the tabletop and table legs imitates the natural curves of plants, offering users a soft and organic sense. In terms of material selection, the choice of black walnut wood can better convey the theme of nature and growth. The surface treatment adopts a process with natural texture, making the whole furniture more vital.
Design Challenge
The core challenge I encountered was to transcend mere surface-level bio-inspired design and engage in a more profound dialogue with nature. To maintain a nuanced balance between functionality and organic form was tricky as it necessitates not only aesthetic grasp but also structural calculation. Consequently, this project is a result of successfully translating organic form and plant behavior into furniture structure.
Research
By thoroughly investigating strategies of applying natural strategies to innovation, I discovered the essence of "Bio-Logical design," which inherited the features of historical design concepts such as biomimicry and organicism. It is a novel paradigm that goes beyond nature-inspired design methodology, exploring the inner logic of natural elements. By applying functional and harmoniously operated principles in the design realm, I intend to readjust the relationship between humans and nature.
Inspiration
Inspired by the germination and growth of plants, this project resonates with the beginning of life and its vigorous development. By incorporating the idea of phototropism into the morphological design of the tabletop and table legs, I intend to express the pursuit of energy and vitality. After contemplating the essence of biological systems, I created this furniture that transcends typical bio-inspired design, embodies aesthetic beauty, and serves functional and sustainable purposes.
Project Duration
The project started as a design in October 2023 in Los Angeles and finished in March 2024 in Los Angeles.
Operation Flow
In a living space, Nova is not only an aesthetically-pleasing coffee table but also an inspiring presence that invites deeper talks with nature. Users can engage with its surface as well as its spirit: sitting in front of this table and taking a sip of coffee, users are expected to experience the spiritual power it embedded while speculating on the profound wisdom of the natural world.
Image Credits
Image #1: Creator Hongji Yin, Nova, 2024

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