Forma Isihlalo by Jaewoo Choi is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Umklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award in Ukudizayina Ifenisha Competition Category.
InsimbiIfenisha· 2025
Forma Isihlalo
by Jaewoo Choi
Client: Jae Choi
Umklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award Winner in Ifenisha Category
Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #169940The Design
About Forma Isihlalo
Forma isihlalo esakhiwe ngesikhumba esishukwe ngemithi yemvelo, i-MDF kanye nensimbi. Isimo saso sichaza kabusha isipopolo sesathulela sehhashi. Isikhumba sibunjwa ngendlela yokubumba ngamanzi, enye yamasu amadala kakhulu okusebenza ngesikhumba, edala izimo eziqinile nezihlalayo isikhathi eside. Ukubumba ngamanzi kuvumela ukuguqulwa okushelelayo phakathi kwezindawo ezithambile neziqinile, ngakho isihlalo sinikeza kokubili ukukhululeka nokusekelwa. I-Forma inobubanzi obuyi-560 mm, ubujulu obuyi-605 mm kanye nobude obuyi-670 mm. Lo mklamo uthatha ubuciko bendabuko bokwenza izihlalo zamahhashi bese uwufaka kwifenisha yesimanje.
The Recognition
About the Umklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award
Forma Isihlalo iwinile uMklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award, ukwaziswa okuhloniphekile okunikezwa imiklamo emihle ehlangabezana nezidingo zobungcweti nezemboni ezilindelekile ezimpahleni ezihlelwe kahle. Abawinile beNsimbi babonisa ikhono elikhulu, ubungcweti obuphezulu, ukuqonda kochwepheshe namandla okudala abadali babo. Forma Isihlalo ilindeleke ukuba ibe yinto exatshwa kakhulu, edunyiswayo nethandwayo esebenzayo nenezinto ezintsha. Lo mklamo owinile uMklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award uhlanganisa izindlela ezinhle kakhulu zemboni futhi unezimfanelo zobuchwepheshe ezifanelekile ezihlanganiswe nolwazi nethalente. Forma Isihlalo iyahlonishwa ngenxa yokucophelela kwayo futhi ihlelelwe ukulethela izinguquko zomgangatho wempilo ezisiza ukwenza umhlaba ube 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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