On Belay Mpando Wopumira by Chong Zhi Yu is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Mphoto ya Bronze ya A' Design Award in Mapangidwe a Fenicha Competition Category.
BronzeFenicha· 2026
On Belay Mpando Wopumira
by Chong Zhi Yu
Client: Nanyang Academy of Fine Arrts
Mphoto ya Bronze ya A' Design Award Winner in Fenicha Category
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- Verified Award Winner
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The Design
About On Belay Mpando Wopumira
On Belay ndi mpando wopumira umene umagwiritsanso ntchito zingwe zokwerera mapiri zomwe sizigwiritsidwanso ntchito. Zingwe zomwe sizoyeneranso kukwerera zimasunga mphamvu ndi kupindika kwake, choncho zimalukidwa kupanga malo okhalapo ndi chotsamira msana. Malo olukidwawa ndi ofewa komanso opindika, ndipo amagawa kulemera mofanana kuti apereke chithandizo popanda ziwalo zolimba. Chimango chake chimapangidwa ndi mtengo wa Kapur wokhala ndi malumikizidwe a lap ndi bridle olimbikitsidwa ndi zikhomo ziwiri m'makona. Njira zolukira zachikhalidwe zimaphatikizidwa ndi maufundo okwerera mapiri kuti amangirire zingwe ku chimango. Mpandowu umakhala ndi miyeso ya mamilimita 600 ndi 850 ndi 650.
The Recognition
About the Mphoto ya Bronze ya A' Design Award
On Belay Mpando Wopumira ndi mmodzi mwa opambana a Mphoto ya Bronze ya A' Design Award, kuzindikirika kolemekezeka kwambiri komwe kumaperekedwa kwa mapangidwe abwino kwambiri omwe amaonekera ndi luso lolenga, kuchenjera ndi nzeru zakuthwa. Opambana a Bronze ndi zinthu zaluso kwambiri ndi zolenga modabwitsa zomwe zimatsimikizira zochitika zazikulu, kulingalira ndi kuchenjera kwa opanga awo. On Belay Mpando Wopumira akuyembekezeka kukhala chinthu choyamikiridwa, chosirira ndi chokondedwa, chaukatswiri wapadera ndi chatsopano. Mapangidwe opambana Mphoto ya Bronze ya A' Design Award awa amaphatikiza machitidwe abwino kwambiri a luso, sayansi, kapangidwe ndi ukadaulo ndipo ndi abwino kwambiri chifukwa cha kusamala kwawo zazing'ono. On Belay Mpando Wopumira amakwaniritsa zosowa mokongola, kukhudza zilakolako, kukopa mitima ndi kudzutsa chidwi.
Behind the Design
Press Kit
Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.
- Unique Properties
- On Belay ingeniously repurposes discarded climbing ropes as integral structural and tactile elements of a lounge chair. Though no longer fit for safety-critical use after extended wear or falls, these ropes retain strength and flexibility ideal for furniture applications. Woven meticulously into the seat and backrest, the design redefines lifesaving equipment into a durable, sustainable, and comfortable seating experience that bridges heritage craft with modern ecological responsibility.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Width 600 mm x Depth 850 mm x Height 650 mm
- Tags
- Sustainable , Upcycled materials, Climbing rope, Lounge chair, Tension weaving, Recycled furniture, Knotting techniques, Outdoor , Ergonomic seating, Conceptual furniture
- Production Technology
- The seating structure combines traditional weaving techniques learned in Thailand with climbing rope knotting methods to bind reclaimed ropes securely onto a Kapur wood frame. The chair’s frame uses time-honored joinery methods including lap and bridle joints reinforced with dual dowels at frame corners to ensure strength and durability.
- Design Challenge
- The hardest part of this project was that it was our first, so many aspects were unfamiliar, especially weaving and knotting techniques. These skills required extensive practice and patience to master. Additionally, limited information and guidance made the learning curve steep. Overcoming these challenges deepened my understanding of material manipulation and craftsmanship, which was crucial for realizing the design successfully.
- Research
- I focused on upcycled materials and chose climbing ropes for this project. I researched various weaving techniques and climbing knotting methods, alongside exploring line art for visual inspiration. During mock-up stages, I drilled multiple holes to find optimal positions and consulted with my mentor to determine the best structure and joinery for the chair frame. I tested different diameters of climbing ropes and ultimately selected 5mm support rope for its balance of aesthetics and comfort. I am very satisfied with the final product. This design taught me that upcycling can be both practical and visually appealing.
- Inspiration
- Inspired by the themes of safety, trust, and connection inherent in rock climbing culture, On Belay transforms retired climbing ropes symbols of protection and resilience into core materials for furniture. These ropes embody stories of endurance and rebirth, and through creative upcycling, the design offers a poetic metaphor for rest and renewal, highlighting sustainable innovation intertwined with emotional narratives.
- Project Duration
- This Project started in August 2025 in Singapore NAFA and finished in NAFA's workshop.
- Operation Flow
- The woven climbing rope seat provides a soft, flexible surface that naturally conforms to the human body, evenly distributing weight to deliver ergonomic support without rigid components. Its minimalist yet stable construction fosters a sense of security and calm, evoking the trust foundational to climbing safety. This tactile interaction invites relaxation and mindfulness, transforming the chair into a restorative haven for body and mind.
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