Hongji Yin · CLIENT: Hongji Yin
Nova is a coffee table inspired by the germination and growth of plants. The curved tabletop and legs follow the idea of phototropism, giving the form a soft and organic character. An asymmetrical arrangement suggests a growing life form rather than a static object. Nova is made of black walnut wood, chosen to express the theme of nature and growth, and the surface treatment keeps a natural texture. The table measures 34.5 cm in height, 81.5 cm in width and 94 cm in depth. The design seeks a balance between organic form and everyday function.
Press Kit
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Image Credits
- Image #1: Creator Hongji Yin, Nova, 2024
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