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Nova 커피 테이블 by Hongji Yin

Nova 커피 테이블 by Hongji Yin is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award 동상 in 가구 디자인 Competition Category.


동가구· 2026

Nova 커피 테이블

by Hongji Yin

Client: Hongji Yin

A' Design Award 동상 Winner in 가구 Category

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Verified Award Winner

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The Design

About Nova 커피 테이블

노바(Nova)는 식물의 발아와 성장에서 영감을 받은 커피 테이블이다. 곡선을 이루는 상판과 다리는 굴광성의 개념을 따르며, 부드럽고 유기적인 형태감을 부여한다. 비대칭적인 구성은 정적인 사물이 아니라 자라나는 생명체를 연상시킨다. 노바는 자연과 성장이라는 주제를 표현하기 위해 선택된 블랙월넛 목재로 제작되었으며, 표면 처리는 목재 본연의 질감을 살렸다. 테이블의 크기는 높이 34.5cm, 너비 81.5cm, 깊이 94cm이다. 이 디자인은 유기적인 형태와 일상적 기능 사이의 균형을 추구한다.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award 동상

Nova 커피 테이블, 이 작품은 A' Design Award 동상 수상작으로, 창의성, 독창성, 영민함으로 돋보이는 뛰어난 디자인에 수여되는 높은 권위의 인정입니다. 동상 수상작은 충분히 숙련되고 인상적으로 창의적인 작품으로, 디자이너의 폭넓은 경험, 상상력, 기지를 입증합니다. Nova 커피 테이블, 이 작품은 높이 평가받고 감탄과 사랑을 받는 사물로서 두드러지게 전문적이고 혁신적일 것으로 기대됩니다. 이 동상 수상 디자인은 예술, 과학, 디자인, 기술의 모범 사례를 담고 있으며 세부에 대한 주의로 훌륭합니다. Nova 커피 테이블, 이 작품은 필요를 훌륭하게 충족하고 욕망에 닿으며 감정을 매료하고 호기심을 불러일으킵니다.

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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