We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Chung Ping-Lun about their original and creative Chair design work. Chung Ping-Lun is an award-winning industrial designer, that makes our world a better place with their original chair works.
Chung Ping-Lun ("CP") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Pinch Chair. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
CP : The main principle behind the design of the Pinch Chair is to provide a modern interpretation of the traditional plastic chair while incorporating practicality and aesthetic appeal. The idea was to take the familiar concept of a plastic chair and reimagine it with a new form factor that would better complement modern architecture and design. The inspiration came from observing the widespread use of plastic chairs in people's daily lives and recognizing their practicality and convenience in terms of industrial production.
CP : Our main focus in designing the Pinch Chair was to achieve a perfect balance between practicality and modern aesthetic appeal. We wanted to create a chair that not only fulfilled the functional requirements of stackability and ease of floor cleaning but also had a visually appealing design that could enhance or complement the interior decoration of restaurants.
CP : As we celebrate this milestone, we are actively seeking manufacturing partners to help make the Pinch Chair a reality and share its beauty with the world.
CP : The design process for the Pinch Chair took approximately four months to complete. The project started in January 2021 in Taiwan and was finished in May 2021, also in Taiwan. During this time, the design team at Medium2 Studio worked diligently to conceptualize, refine, and finalize the concept for the chair.
CP : The team was inspired by the ubiquity of plastic chairs in modern life and recognized the potential for improving upon the traditional design. They sought to create a chair that would seamlessly blend with contemporary architecture and design, while also offering practical features that would benefit both restaurant owners and staff.
CP : We plan to sell or lease the production rights.
CP : we noticed that while plastic chairs were functional, they often lacked a modern aesthetic appeal and did not necessarily complement contemporary architecture and design. We saw an opportunity to reimagine the traditional plastic chair and elevate its design to better align with the current trends and expectations of both business owners and customers.
CP : While the design of the Pinch Chair was primarily influenced by the observations and research conducted by the design team at Medium2 Studio, it is important to acknowledge that the field of furniture design is a collaborative and ever-evolving one. As designers, we are constantly inspired and influenced by the work of our peers and the broader design community.
CP : The target customers for the Pinch Chair design are businesses in the hospitality industry, particularly restaurants, cafes, and dining establishments, who seek a stackable, easy-to-clean, and visually appealing seating solution that aligns with modern design sensibilities.
CP : The ability to flip the chair onto a table facilitates floor cleaning by restaurant staff. This feature sets the Pinch Chair apart from other plastic chairs that may require moving or clearing an entire area of chairs for effective floor cleaning.The design of the Pinch Chair takes into account the needs and preferences of both restaurant owners and customers. It offers practical features like stackability for storage convenience and a visually appealing design that enhances the overall dining experience.
CP : The chair was designed using a unibody logic, imagining the plastic sheet transforming into a complete chair with simple pinching and pulling moves.
CP : The design of the Pinch Chair was influenced by data and research conducted by Medium2 Studio. They gathered insights and requirements from restaurant owners, focusing on stackability, floor cleaning convenience, and desired aesthetics. This data-driven approach ensured that the design met the practical and aesthetic needs of the target market.
CP : Balancing Form and Function: Achieving a balance between aesthetic appeal and practical functionality can be a challenge. Designing a chair that meets both the desired visual aesthetic and the functional requirements, such as stackability and ease of floor cleaning, requires careful consideration and iteration.
CP : The decision to submit the Pinch Chair design to an international competition would have been driven by the desire to gain recognition, validation, exposure, and networking opportunities, as well as to benchmark the design against the best in the field. It is a strategic move to showcase our design expertise, creativity, and innovation on a global stage.
