Forma Isihlalo by Jaewoo Choi is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Ibhaso Lentsimbi le-A' Design Award in Uyilo lweFanitshala Competition Category.
IntsimbiIfanitshala· 2025
Forma Isihlalo
by Jaewoo Choi
Client: Jae Choi
Ibhaso Lentsimbi le-A' Design Award Winner in Ifanitshala Category
Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #169940The Design
About Forma Isihlalo
Forma sisihlalo esenziwe ngesikhumba esigqutywe ngemithi yemifuno, i-MDF nentsimbi. Umumo wesi sihlalo uphinda ucacise ukumila kwesali yehashe. Isikhumba sibunjwa ngendlela yokubumba ngokumanzisa, enye yeendlela ezindala kakhulu zokusebenza ngesikhumba, edala imibumba eqinileyo nezakhekileyo. Ukubumba ngokumanzisa kuvumela ukutshintsha okugqibeleleyo phakathi kweendawo ezithambileyo neziqinileyo, ngoko ke isihlalo sibonelela ngokona nokuxhaswa kunye. IForma ilinganiselwa kububanzi be-560 mm, ubunzulu be-605 mm nobude obuma phezulu be-670 mm. Le nkqubo yoyilo isebenzisa ubuchule bemveli bokusenza izali zamahashe kwifenitshala yale mihla.
The Recognition
About the Ibhaso Lentsimbi le-A' Design Award
Forma Isihlalo ngumphumeleli weIbhaso Lentsimbi le-A' Design Award, ukuqatshelwa okuhlonitshwayo okunikwa imiyilo elungileyo eyanelisa iimfuno zobungcali neemveliso ezilindelekileyo kwimveliso ezicwangciswe kakuhle. Abaphumeleleyo beNtsimbi babonisa ubuchule obukhulu, ubuchule obuphezulu, ukuqonda kwengcali namandla okuyila abayili babo. Forma Isihlalo iyathenjwa ukuba ibe yimveliso exatyiswa kakhulu, edunyiswayo nethandwayo esebenzayo neyinto entsha. Lo myilo uphumeleleyo weIbhaso Lentsimbi le-A' Design Award udibanisa iindlela ezilungileyo kakhulu zemboleko kwaye unezimpawu zobuchwephesha ezifanelekileyo ezidityaniswe nolwazi netalente. Forma Isihlalo iyahlonelwa ngenxa yenkcukacha yayo kwaye yacwangciselwa ukunika uphuculo lomgangatho wobomi olunceda ukwenza ihlabathi libe yindawo engcono.
Behind the Design
Press Kit
Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.
- Unique Properties
- Forma reinterprets the timeless silhouette of a horse’s saddle through the technique of wet molding to shape leather into intricate, structured forms. This method enhances durability and sculptural precision, allowing for seamless transitions between softness and rigidity. By pushing the boundaries of leather manipulation, Forma highlights materiality, refinement, and fluidity, redefining traditional craftsmanship in modern fabrication while achieving both structural integrity and sculptural rhythm.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Materials: Vegetable Tanned Leather / MDF / Steel
Dimensions: Width 560 mm x Depth 605 mm x Height 670mm - Tags
- Leatherworking, Wet Molding, Material Exploration, Chair, Experimental Furniture Design
- Production Technology
- Since early civilization, leather has been valued for its versatility, offering both comfort and protection. Wet molding, one of the oldest leatherworking techniques, remains a vital method for shaping leather into structured, durable forms. Forma employs this technique to fuse soft and rigid elements with fluidity, achieving structural refinement. By leveraging this process, the design not only preserves traditional craftsmanship but also explores new possibilities in material adaptation and contemporary fabrication techniques.
- Design Challenge
- Wet molding is a centuries-old technique, yet its potential within contemporary design remains largely underexplored. This project challenges conventional applications by experimenting with new shaping methods, testing leather’s adaptability, and refining its structural possibilities. Through material-driven research, it seeks to expand the boundaries of craftsmanship, integrating traditional leatherworking techniques with adaptive design solutions.
- Research
- This project investigates the potential of wet molding through hands-on experimentation, analyzing the material’s flexibility and structural limitations. By studying how leather responds to manipulation, the research informs the development of innovative forms and explores new possibilities in furniture applications. Pushing the boundaries of this traditional craft, the study bridges material experimentation with material-driven design, redefining leather’s role in modern fabrication.
- Inspiration
- Forma is rooted in a deep appreciation for the transformation of raw materials through time-honored craftsmanship. Inspired by the evolution of saddlery, the project reinterprets traditional processes for new creative applications by examining how wet molding—a technique integral to equestrian gear—can be adapted for contemporary design. The interplay of structure and fluidity found in saddlery serves as the foundation for a piece that honors heritage craftsmanship while embracing design refinement.
- Project Duration
- The project started in January 2023 in Providence, Rhode Island, and was completed in May 2023.
- Operation Flow
- Designed to offer both function and sculptural presence, Forma’s structured yet fluid form allows it to serve as a seat while also acting as a statement piece. The careful balance of soft and rigid elements provides both comfort and support, making it a versatile addition to various interior spaces.
- Image Credits
- Image #1: Creator Jaewoo(Jae) Choi, Forma, 2023.
Image #2: Creator Jaewoo(Jae) Choi, Forma, 2023.
Image #3: Creator Jaewoo(Jae) Choi, Forma, 2023.
Image #4: Creator Jaewoo(Jae) Choi, Forma, 2023.
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