We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Wongsun Yoo about their original and creative Chair design work. Wongsun Yoo is an award-winning industrial designer, that makes our world a better place with their original chair works.
Wongsun Yoo ("WY") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Osso Chair. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
WY : The Osso chair draws the eye’s attention through its striking silhouette. With its unique balance of proportion, geometry and structure, the chair is both Baroque and Minimalist. The design's overlapping forms such as the curved beams, bent seats and circular backrest layers up beautifully at the back like the bones of a spine i.e. Osso. While the joineries appear effortless, the framework is informed by architectural principles that enhance structural integrity while creating a visually dynamic rhythm reminiscent of traditional Oriental architecture. The collaboration between the young designer and experienced French cabinetmaker, Brimbois, the outcome is a hybrid of old and new.
WY : The chair’s complexity lies in its joints. To achieve a minimal yet effortless silhouette, the design drew inspiration from bone joints where structural integrity is maintained while elements naturally interlock. This concept was expressed through the intentional exposure of rounded edges at the joinery. The prototype was developed in close collaboration with the manufacturer, with each element individually stained and assembled to achieve a seamless black finish across all joint points.
WY : I would like to expand my design explorations with many more experiments and prototypes to come. Additionally, I would like to reach out to design brands to collaborate and optimise the design to create a commercially viable product as well.
WY : The design took 3-6 months with precise mock-ups using VR technology to minimise waste. This process accelerated the experimental phase as I was able to visualise it on a 1:1 scale. It took an additional 3-6 months to collaborate with Brimbois, who was able to manufacture this with great attention to my intended details.
WY : It began as a personal pursuit of inspiration. The moment came when I sat on a simple wooden stool and realized that a well-designed timber frame could offer a level of comfort comparable to upholstered furniture. That experience revealed a new possibility—timber, when thoughtfully designed, could be both structural and comfortable. This design exploration aimed to celebrate timber in all its forms, embracing its full range of properties and potential.
WY : Currently the prototype is in a showroom in Paris, at Ateliers Brimbois, who were the manufacturers who made this piece come to a reality. The production right is open to be negotiated for sale; currently for small quantities it is open for production.
WY : My favorite designs are the chairs by Carlo Bugatti, created between the 19th and 20th centuries. These pieces command attention with their richly detailed ornamentation and eclectic mix of materials—from leather to copper. They transcend cultural boundaries, drawing inspiration from Moorish, Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese design traditions. They are, in every sense, masterpieces.
WY : The chair functions as a versatile piece, suitable for restaurants, antechambers, clubs, and reception halls. At the same time, it embodies a sense of balance, solidity, and stoicism. Through its striking silhouette, the design conveys a quiet presence and understated strength. It is intended for those who seek to express these qualities within their space.
WY : Osso draws inspiration from traditional Oriental architecture and natural bone structures. The design embodies principles of balance, proportion, and craftsmanship, employing wood joineries that exemplify the precision of enduring architectural techniques. The back of the chair is designed as its second façade, where the horizontal structural components come together like the bones of a spine i.e. Osso. These elements combine to create a chair that is both functional and sculptural, blending tradition with nature in a clean and harmonious design.
WY : While the joineries appear effortless, much like bones, the framework is informed by architectural principles that enhance structural integrity while creating a visually dynamic rhythm reminiscent of traditional Oriental architecture. Rather than relying on thick, bulky materials for stability, the beams curve and interlace to form a cross-bracing structure. This allows the chair to support a concave seat that follows the contours of human anatomy, reducing pressure points compared to flat seats. The gap between the double columns at the back naturally accommodates the horizontal beams, seamlessly supporting the plates and reinforcing the design's harmony.
WY : The production process bridges technology and craftsmanship. On one side, a strong focus on geometry and modularity resulted in extrusion based forms from 3 - 5cm planks of timber, that ensures a CNC manufacturing process. On the other, luxurious finishes to seamless joineries were developed in partnership with French cabinetmaker, Brimbois, bringing back century old techniques and know-hows. The result is a black-stained wood that adds a modern, minimalist elegance while allowing the grain texture to subtly remain visible.
WY : The research aimed to achieve ergonomic comfort in a solid surface, offering an alternative to upholstered furniture. This led to an exploration of seat and backrest angulation, as well as a subtly curved seat plate for better anatomical support. Using VR technology, multiple prototypes were tested to refine ergonomics. In collaboration with French cabinetmakers Brimbois, locally sourced ash wood from Franche-Comté was used. A detachable 3cm upholstered plate was also developed for added versatility. Debuting at Paris Design Week 2023 at the Salon de l’Atelier de France, the chair received valuable feedback from designers, architects, and gallery owners. This led to the addition of 5cm timber “toes,” which can be trimmed to adjust seat height without altering the design.
WY : Making this idea opened up more ideas for better furniture pieces. Some details that were lost during the design and manufacturing processes are to be incorporated in the next line of work. Much more is to come.
