Balanco Primary Function: Intebe zishoboka guhirikana by Lisa Lai and Joel Wong

Balanco Primary Function: Intebe zishoboka guhirikana by Lisa Lai and Joel Wong is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2022 Igihembo cya A' Design Award cya Ifeza in Igishushanyo cy'Imitako Competition Category.

IfezaImitako· 2022

Balanco Primary Function: Intebe zishoboka guhirikana

by Lisa Lai and Joel Wong

Client: Tati

Igihembo cya A' Design Award cya Ifeza Winner in Imitako Category

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Colors

The Design

About Balanco Primary Function: Intebe zishoboka guhirikana

Book Text: Balanco ni urukurikirane rw'utubariro dushobora guhirikana dukoreshwa nk'intebe, ameza n'ibikoresho byo gukina. Utu tubariro dufite impande nyinshi dushobora gutunganywa, gushyirwa mu myanya no guhirikana mu buryo bwinshi. Guhuza no gushyira mu buringanire utu tubariro bisaba kwihangana no gutuza, bityo Balanco ishobora gusangirwa n'inshuti n'imiryango mu rugo. Imiterere yayo ishingiye kuri foam kandi iroroshye, naho isura yayo ya feltu y'ibara ry'ubutaka iroroshye ku rukoba. Utu tubariro ntabwo tugira ingaruka ku bana bato kandi tuguma dukomeye bihagije ku buryo abakuze bashobora kutwicaraho. Ingano zitandukanye zihuye n'uburebure bw'abana n'abakuze.

The Recognition

About the Igihembo cya A' Design Award cya Ifeza

Balanco Primary Function: Intebe zishoboka guhirikana ni uwegukanye Igihembo cya A' Design Award cya Ifeza, ishimwe ridasanzwe ry'agaciro gakomeye ritangwa ku bishushanyo byo ku rwego rwo hejuru, byiza kandi bikora ku mutima. Abegukanye Ifeza ni ibihangano by'ubuhanga bukomeye kandi bifite guhanga kwinshi, bigaragaza ubuhanga bwimbitse, impano n'ubushishozi bw'ababihanze. Balanco Primary Function: Intebe zishoboka guhirikana biteganyijwe ko izaba igihangano cy'icyitegererezo, gifite ubunyamwuga bukomeye n'udushya twimbitse. Iki gishushanyo cyegukanye Ifeza ni igihangano kizwi kandi gishimwa, gifasha kugura imbibi z'ubuhanzi, ubumenyi, ubushushanyo n'ikoranabuhanga. Balanco Primary Function: Intebe zishoboka guhirikana ni igihangano benshi bifuza, gikangura ibyifuzo, gitanga amarangamutima meza kandi gitera igitangaza.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: Balanco consists of a series of multifaceted blocks, offering unlimited possibilities to arrange, position, and stack. As it requires significant patience and calmness to balance the blocks, it serves as one of the practical yet fun solutions for friends and families to enjoy with one another. When it is not used as objects for play, it doubles as stools and tables for adults and children.
Dimensions & Packaging: Largest block- 600mm x 450mm x 350mm
Smallest block- 350mm x 350mm x 350mm
Felt finishing and foam-based structure.
Tags: stool, table, toy, furniture, children, stacking, facets, play, kids, family
Production Technology: The lightweight and solid structure makes it suitable and safe for young children. The earth-tone felt finish aims to invite nature vibes into the house. It is soft and comfortable to touch.
Design Challenge: The challenge was to create a series of stackable furniture that is lightweight and safe for children even when the blocks topple over. At the same time, it is solid and strong for adults to sit and stand on them. This obstacle was overcomed as we experimented with various materials, details and manufacturing methods.
Research: The design intent was to deliver a design with a strong concept, through aesthetic simplicity.
Inspiration: With the persistence of the pandemic, staying at home has become a new norm. In most highly populated and dense cities, finding peace and mental wellness can be difficult. Inspired by the pebble towers, Balanco offers a way to find physical and inner balance, while learning to collaborate with others in the process of playing.
Project Duration: The project started in October 2020, and finished in December 2020. It was documented and exhibited as part of the HKTDC's programme in Hong Kong.
Operation Flow: Balanco functions as play objects, stools and tables. The varying sizes accommodate the ergonomics and heights from young children to adults.
Team Members: Lisa J. Lai and Joel Wong
Image Credits: Lisa J. Lai, 2020