Song 宋

Tunghai University | Yodex

Discipline:

Furniture

Location:

Taichung, Taiwan

Year:

2017

Description:

Why
Song dynasty temple architecture, with its intricate carvings and rich cultural heritage, sparked this project. We aimed to reinterpret its ornate details in a modern context, addressing the challenge of honoring tradition while advancing contemporary design.

Brief
Commissioned for the 2018 Yodex Design Exhibition in Taipei, Taiwan, we crafted seating solutions that weave Song dynasty temple elements into bold, innovative forms, blending history with forward-thinking aesthetics.

Approach
We deconstructed temple details into a form reference system, reimagining them with modern tools. Balancing traditional craftsmanship and functionality, we used parametric design software to shape pine, steel, and leather into ergonomic, visually striking pieces.

Outcome
The Song Collection’s desk and chair feature an arched, segmented base with laser-cut acrylic and leather accents. This fusion of heritage-inspired patterns and sleek engineering delivers a refined, standout design.

Challenges
Marrying historical authenticity with modern comfort proved tough—early prototypes lacked ergonomic support, forcing us to refine materials and precision engineering to keep both intricate details and structural integrity intact.

Insights
Assuming traditional forms would easily adapt underestimated modern usability needs—I’d prioritize early ergonomic testing next time. The struggle sharpened our parametric skills, proving tradition can thrive in contemporary fabrication.

Product Details
Dimensions (Desk): l110 x w76 x h65 cm
Dimensions (Chair): w45 x d39 x h50 cm
Material (Desk): Pine, galvanized steel, acrylic
Material (Chair): Plywood, galvanized steel, cotton, leather

Process

The Song宋 Desk and Stool project started with a plan to rework Song dynasty temple architecture into a modern desk and stool. We kicked off with hand-drawn sketches, pulling out temple features—arches, carvings—to shape functional furniture. Paper models came next, quick builds to test basic forms and proportions, letting us narrow down to a few solid options without overcomplicating early steps.

From there, we shifted to full-scale prototyping using PVC, MDF, and plywood, building 1:1 models to check how they held up in real use. A handful of people tested them—sitting, leaning, working—revealing ergonomic gaps like uneven seat angles and wobbly bases. We took that feedback straight to our 3D model files, adjusting curves and supports to fix functionality while keeping the temple-inspired look intact.

With the designs dialed in, we sent the updated files to factories for production. One handled the galvanized steel frames, bending them to match our arched base design; another shaped the pine and plywood seat bases. The parts came back rough, so we assembled them ourselves, tweaking joints for stability. CMF—color, material, finish—was hands-on too: sanding pine smooth, laser-cutting acrylic accents, and stitching leather details to tie in the Song aesthetic. Early assemblies creaked under weight, so we reinforced the steel-plywood connections before prepping for the 2018 Yodex Exhibition.

Testing ran through the end—sitting on the stool, using the desk—to ensure they worked and looked sharp. The process turned temple sketches into a practical duo, blending old-school style with modern use through steady refinement and factory collaboration.