Balanco Nofoa e Mafai ona Faʻafaʻaputu by Lisa Lai and Joel Wong

Balanco Nofoa e Mafai ona Faʻafaʻaputu by Lisa Lai and Joel Wong is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2022 A' Design Award Ario in Mamanu Meafale Competition Category.

ArioMeafale· 2022

Balanco Nofoa e Mafai ona Faʻafaʻaputu

by Lisa Lai and Joel Wong

Client: Tati

A' Design Award Ario Winner in Meafale Category

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Verified Award Winner
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Visit Site View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Balanco Nofoa e Mafai ona Faʻafaʻaputu

O le Balanco o se seti o poloka e mafai ona faʻaputu e faʻaaogaina e fai ma nofoa, laulau ma mea taʻalo. O poloka e tele itu e mafai ona faʻatulaga, tuʻu ma faʻaputu i le tele o auala. O le paleni o poloka e manaʻomia ai le onosaʻi ma le filemu, o lea e mafai ai ona faʻasoa le Balanco e uo ma aiga i le fale. O le fausaga e faʻavae i le foam ma e mama, ma o le faʻamaeaina o le fulufulu i lanu o le eleele e vaivai i le paʻi. O poloka e saogalemu mo tamaiti laiti ma o loʻo malosi lava e mafai ai e tagata matutua ona nofo i luga. O lapopoa eseese e fetaui ma le maualuga o tamaiti ma tagata matutua.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Ario

O le A' Design Award Ario na manumalo ai Balanco Nofoa e Mafai ona Faʻafaʻaputu, o se faamaoniga matuā mamalu e tuuina atu i mamanu sili ona lelei, matagofie ma mataʻutia. O ē manumalo i le Ario o galuega susulu tele ma fatufatuaʻi e faaalia ai le poto, le taleni ma le atamai o tagata mamanu. E faamoemoeina Balanco Nofoa e Mafai ona Faʻafaʻaputu e avea ma galuega matagofie, o se fesuiaiga mo isi, e iloga i le tomai faapolofesa ma mea fou loloto. O lenei mamanu na manumalo i le A' Design Award Ario o se mea e iloga, ua mataʻina e aogā ma tuleia atu tapulaʻa o le faatufugaga, saienisi, mamanu ma tekonolosi. Balanco Nofoa e Mafai ona Faʻafaʻaputu o se mea e fiafia i ai le toatele, e fafagu ai manaʻoga, aumaia ai lagona lelei ma tupu ai le ofo.

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