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Cenear Tūru by Christine Xiang

Cenear Tūru by Christine Xiang is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2024 A' Design Award Hiriwa in Hoahoa Taputapu Competition Category.


HiriwaTaputapu· 2024

Cenear Tūru

by Christine Xiang

Client: Cenire

A' Design Award Hiriwa Winner in Taputapu Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #158066

Colors

The Design

About Cenear Tūru

Ka tango whakaaro te Tūru Cenear i ngā aukaha ātaahua me te tuku iho whai taonga o ngā māra tī, e hono tōtika ana i ngā huānga taonga whare Hainamana hou me te whakamihi ki te ahurea o mua. Kua hangaia hei akiaki i te whakawhitiwhiti kōrero tuwhera, he tūru pōpou māeneene kua piri ki tētahi papanga rākau, me ētahi atu pōpou āhua e rua, he rerekē ngā tae hei māmā urutau. Ka whakarato te tūru i te hiahia o te kaiwhakamahi hou mō ngā whakatakotoranga noho whaiaro, he maha ngā wāhanga aukaha me ngā tautoko tuarā hei akiaki i ngā kōrerorero māmā, whakauru.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Hiriwa

Ko Cenear Tūru te toa o te A' Design Award Hiriwa, he whakaaetanga tino whai mana e hoatu ana ki ngā hoahoa taumata teitei rawa, ātaahua me te whakamīharo. Ko ngā toa Hiriwa he mahi tino kanapa, tino auaha e whakaatu ana i te mātanga, te pūmanawa me te mōhio hōhonu o ā rātou kaihoahoa. E tūmanakohia ana ko Cenear Tūru he mahi whakamīharo, he tauira, he tino ngaio, he auaha hōhonu. Ko tēnei hoahoa i toa i te Hiriwa he hanganga rongonui, whakamīharotia e whai wāhi ana ki te whakawhānui i ngā rohe o te toi, te pūtaiao, te hoahoa me te hangarau. Ko Cenear Tūru he mahi e hae ana te tini, e whakaara ana i ngā hiahia, e kawe mai ana i ngā kare-ā-roto pai, ā, e whakaoho ana i te mīharo.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties
The Cenear Bench has been designed to encourage conversation among users. Its defining feature is the implementation of two differently shaped cushions attached to the wooden frame, providing options for individualized seating preferences. This interactive design adds functionality and playfulness to the bench, distinguishing it from other seating options. Moreover, this bench is ideal for both indoor and outdoor settings, making it versatile across various environments.
Dimensions & Packaging
203cm Width x 86cm Depth x 84cm Height
Tags
Cenear, Bench, Furniture, Wood, Indoor Furniture, Seating, Design Concept, Outdoor Furniture
Production Technology
The final prototype was made of black walnut. In addition to using a CNC machine to shape the curvature, the wood frame was further hand-sanded for a smooth texture. The upholstery utilized foam cushions sewn with Microsuede fabric, providing a nice contrast.
Design Challenge
In crafting the Cenear Bench, designers faced the challenge of harmonizing comfort with cushions of various shapes. They undertook surveys and interviews with users to discern their requirements, leading to the incorporation of two differently colored shaped cushions affixed to the black walnut wood frame. The bench's elegant, contemporary design appeals to a wide range of users, providing stability, harmony, and an interactive feature that can enhance the comfort of all users.
Research
After conducting a series of surveys, in-depth interviews, and design research, alongside 1-to-1 scale mockups, it became evident that contemporary users have distinct preferences for seating arrangements tailored to different activities. In response, the Cenear Bench was developed to facilitate casual conversation while offering a distinctive and inviting user experience. With its curved seating sections and supportive backrest, it encourages users to engage comfortably in conversation. This research-driven approach sets the Cenear Bench apart from others.
Inspiration
The tea garden, with its curves and evocative history, served as the initial inspiration for the Cenear Bench. The goal was to blend modern Chinese furniture concepts with a tribute to historical Chinese culture. This inspired the incorporation of ancient tea garden curvature into the design of the back support. This created a unique, modern bench that also evokes the past.
Project Duration
The project began in September 2018 in Pasadena, California, and was exhibited at ICFF in May 2019. The Cenear Bench, in its current form, has undergone several design changes since 2018 and was finalized in 2023.
Operation Flow
The Cenear Bench is designed to create a welcoming space for two people to openly communicate. The soft cushion seat is attached to the wooden bench. Two differently colored shaped cushions allow users to sit in various postures and still feel comfortable. This innovative sectional seating transforms the bench into a relaxed and open conversation seating experience. The interaction between the user and the bench creates a more interactive and warm atmosphere with the curvature of the seating.
Patents
Copyrights belong to Christine Xiang, 2018.
Team Members
Christine Xiang
Image Credits
All Image: Photographer Yugong Luo, 2018.
All Image: Art Direct Christine Xiang, 2018.

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