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Nova Soffbord by Hongji Yin

Nova Soffbord by Hongji Yin is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award i Brons in Möbeldesign Competition Category.


BronsMöbler· 2026

Nova Soffbord

by Hongji Yin

Client: Hongji Yin

A' Design Award i Brons Winner in Möbler Category

Colors

The Design

About Nova Soffbord

Nova är ett soffbord inspirerat av växters groning och tillväxt. Den böjda bordsskivan och benen följer idén om fototropism, vilket ger formen en mjuk och organisk karaktär. Ett asymmetriskt arrangemang antyder en växande livsform snarare än ett statiskt objekt. Nova är tillverkat av svart valnötsträ, valt för att uttrycka temat natur och tillväxt, och ytbehandlingen bevarar en naturlig textur. Bordet mäter 34,5 cm i höjd, 81,5 cm i bredd och 94 cm i djup. Designen eftersträvar en balans mellan organisk form och vardaglig funktion.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award i Brons

Nova Soffbord är vinnare av A' Design Award i Brons, ett högst prestigefyllt erkännande som tilldelas enastående designverk som utmärker sig genom kreativitet, uppfinningsrikedom och klokhet. Bronsvinnare är mycket skickliga och slående kreativa föremål som styrker formgivarnas stora erfarenhet, fantasi och påhittighet. Nova Soffbord förväntas vara ett högt skattat, beundrat och älskat föremål som är anmärkningsvärt professionellt och innovativt. Detta vinnande verk i A' Design Award i Brons införlivar bästa praxis inom konst, vetenskap, design och teknik och är utmärkt genom sin omsorg om detaljer. Nova Soffbord tillfredsställer fantastiskt behov, rör vid längtan, charmar känslor och väcker nyfikenhet.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

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.
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.
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.
Image Credits
Image #1: Creator Hongji Yin, Nova, 2024

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