Balanco Primary Function: Ukuhlala Okumbelekayo by Lisa Lai and Joel Wong is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2022 Umklomelo Wesiliva we-A' Design Award in Ukudizayina Ifenisha Competition Category.
IsilivaIfenisha· 2022
Balanco Primary Function: Ukuhlala Okumbelekayo
Client: Tati
Umklomelo Wesiliva we-A' Design Award Winner in Ifenisha Category
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The Design
About Balanco Primary Function: Ukuhlala Okumbelekayo
Book Text: I-Balanco iyisethi yamabhulokhi angamiwe phezu kwawodwana asebenza njengezihlalo, amatafula nezinto zokudlala. Lawa mabhulokhi anezinhlangothi eziningi angahlelwa, abekwe futhi amiswe ngezindlela eziningi. Ukulinganisa lawa mabhulokhi kudinga isineke nokuzola, ngakho i-Balanco ingabelwana ngabangani nemindeni ekhaya. Isakhiwo senziwe nge-foam futhi silula, futhi umgcino we-felt onemibala yomhlaba uthambile uma uwuthinta. Lawa mabhulokhi aphephile ezinganeni ezincane futhi asalokhu eqinile ngokwanele ukuthi abadala bahlale kuwo. Amasayizi ahlukahlukene alungele ubude bezingane nabadala.
The Recognition
About the Umklomelo Wesiliva we-A' Design Award
Balanco Primary Function: Ukuhlala Okumbelekayo iwinile uMklomelo Wesiliva we-A' Design Award, ukwaziswa okuhloniphekile ngokungajwayelekile okunikezwa imiklamo esezingeni eliphezulu, ebukekayo nethinta kakhulu. Abawinile beSiliva yimisebenzi egqamile kakhulu nedala kakhulu ebonisa ubungcweti obuphawulekayo, italente nobuhlakani babaklami babo. Balanco Primary Function: Ukuhlala Okumbelekayo ilindeleke ukuba ibe ngumsebenzi omuhle wesibonelo, onobungcweti obuphawulekayo nezinto ezintsha ezijulile. Lo mklamo owinile uMklomelo Wesiliva we-A' Design Award uyinto entsha ebonakala kakhulu nethakazelisayo esiza futhi isunduza imingcele yobuciko, isayensi, ukuklama nobuchwepheshe. Balanco Primary Function: Ukuhlala Okumbelekayo iyinto enomhawu omkhulu kuyo evusa izifiso, ilethe imizwa emihle futhi ivuse ukumangala nokuxakeka.
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
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