Haleiwa Icpalli by Melissa Mae Tan is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2020 Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl in Caltlapechtli Tlachihchihualiztli Competition Category.

IztacteocuitlatlCaltlapechtli· 2020

Haleiwa Icpalli

by Melissa Mae Tan

Client: Beyond Function

Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl Winner in Caltlapechtli Category

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View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Haleiwa Icpalli

In Haleiwa quilpihua in cuauhtlalamatl itech nepapan colochtin ihuan quichihua ce nelli yecnemiliz. In cemanahuac tetl mopachoah in toltecayotl ipan Filipinas, yancuic quichihualoh icuac in axcan cahuitl. Omentin nozo cecni, in nepapanaliztli itech in chihualiztli quichihua inin icpalli mopatla itech miecquin nemilizmeh. Chihualoh ce nepantlaliztli nican inemiliz ihuan itequitiliz, cualnezti ihuan chicahualiztli, calchihualiztli ihuan tlachihualoni, in Haleiwa zan yecnemi zan no cualnezqui.

The Recognition

About the Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl

Haleiwa Icpalli ca in quicuic in Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl, hueyi tlamahuizoliztli tlen momaca in huel yectli, tlanextic ihuan mahuiztic tlachihualli. In quicuicah Iztacteocuitlatl ca cenca cualli ihuan cenca yancuic tlachihualli in quinextia in tlamatiliztli, toltecayotl ihuan ixtlamatiliztli intlachihuanime. Ca quinequi in Haleiwa Icpalli ca cenca cualli, cenca motequiuhtia ihuan yancuic. Ni dizayno in quicuic Iztacteocuitlatl quihuelitia in toltecayotl, tlamatiliztli, dizayno ihuan teknolohia. Haleiwa Icpalli quiyolchicahua in tlacah, quipaquiltia ihuan quitlamahuiztiltia.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: Legacy meets contemporary. Grace meets strength. Sweeping curves seamlessly merge with striking lines. Rattan, a pliant material commonly used in indigenous Philippine furniture, gets a modern upgrade when paired with a solid metal frame. This chair's form and weave pay tribute to the rich history of the material and the artisans that have crafted pieces from it, while breaking away from tradition just enough to create a statement.
Dimensions & Packaging: 640mm width x 850mm depth x 830mm height
Tags: haleiwa, chair, rattan, woven, handmade, indigenous
Production Technology: Rattan is a sustainable material commonly used for weaving due to its durability. A cantilever design would not have been practical, and thus metal framing was used to add stability. As a nod to the handwoven rattan, the metal was manually bent to shape.
Design Challenge: Stability was a key concern. The width of the legs that connect the base to the seat posed a challenge. The design of a triangular base was the solution that balanced the structural and aesthetic. Internal support placement also posed a challenge since the design shows all of its skeletal composition. The supports had to be created and then strategically located in order to maximize stability, while being as inconspicuous as possible.
Research: The research focus for the Haleiwa was on the balance and stability based on its unconventional form. The optimum placements of supports and dimensions of elements were studied and tested throughout the prototyping period.
Inspiration: This piece was inspired by the concept of balance. The balance between strength and fluidity, modern and traditional, complexity and simplicity.
Project Duration: The chair was conceptualized in August 2019 and prototype finished October 2019. Designed and manufactured in Manila, Philippines
Operation Flow: The chair is wide enough for the user to sit comfortably in any position. Cushions are also provided for additional ease and comfort without distracting from the visual impact.
Team Members: Melissa Mae Tan
Image Credits: All images: Photographer Berwin Coroza, 2020