Haleiwa Nofoa by Melissa Mae Tan is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2020 A' Design Award Ario in Mamanu Meafale Competition Category.

ArioMeafale· 2020

Haleiwa Nofoa

by Melissa Mae Tan

Client: Beyond Function

A' Design Award Ario Winner in Meafale Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #99707

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Haleiwa Nofoa

Ua lalagaina e le Haleiwa rattan gafataulimaina i lavalava solo ma togi ese ata. O le 'oa moni faʻaaloalo i le aganuu masani i Filipaina, toe fausia mo nei taimi. Faʻapipiʻi, pe faʻaoga e pei o se tala, o le tuʻusaʻoina o le mamanu na faia ai lenei nofoa e fetuunai i laʻasaga eseese. O le fausiaina o se paleni i le va o le faʻatulagaina ma galuega, alofa tunoa ma le malosi, tusiata ma mamanu, e manaia lava le Haleiwa pei ona matagofie.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Ario

O le A' Design Award Ario na manumalo ai Haleiwa Nofoa, 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 Haleiwa Nofoa 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. Haleiwa Nofoa 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: 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