We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Cassily Danwei Zhao about their original and creative Lounge Chair design work. Cassily Danwei Zhao is an award-winning industrial designer, that makes our world a better place with their original lounge chair works.
Cassily Danwei Zhao ("CDZ") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Alskar Lounge Chair. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
CDZ : The Älskar lounge chair is a testament to the harmonious fusion of nature and modern living spaces. It's a design that nurtures a feeling of well-being and reconnects us with the natural world. Inspired by the graceful forms of Ginkgo leaves, the chair vividly expresses the organic beauty of nature, inviting us to rediscover our connection with the natural world in our daily lives. It's a design that speaks to our innate desire for harmony and tranquility and brings nature's beauty into our homes.
CDZ : As I designed the Älskar lounge chair, I focused on seamlessly integrating natural beauty and comfort into modern residential spaces. My goal was to blend organic aesthetics with ergonomic comfort, ensuring that the chair looks beautiful and provides a relaxing and supportive space for users to unwind. I wanted Älskar to be more than just a piece of furniture; I wanted it to be a statement of inspired design, enhancing any living space's overall ambiance and well-being.
CDZ : My vision for the Älskar lounge chair involves expanding its presence in residential and commercial markets. I would like to collaborate with furniture manufacturers to bring Älskar into more expansive production, ensuring it reaches a broader audience. Moreover, I am eager to explore different materials and finishes, offering diverse options that cater to various aesthetic preferences and interior design styles, enhancing the versatility and appeal of the Älskar collection. For example, I envision producing the chair in cast plastic with a metal base, offering a modern and durable alternative to the original design. This approach opens up numerous possibilities for customization, allowing for a broader range of colors, finishes, and textures to suit different interior design styles and preferences. I am also interested in developing a collection around the Älskar design, incorporating complementary pieces such as side tables, ottomans, and other seating options with the same organic inspiration and ergonomic focus. This collection would provide cohesive design solutions for creating harmonious, nature-inspired living spaces.
CDZ : The design of the Älskar lounge chair took 15 weeks from concept to completion. The initial nine weeks were dedicated to concept development, during which I explored various ideas, drew inspiration from nature, and refined the design to capture the essence of Ginkgo leaves. It took six more weeks following the concept development to bring the design to life.
CDZ : The Älskar lounge chair design was born from personal inspiration rather than a commissioned project. I wanted to craft a piece of furniture that effortlessly blends natural elements into contemporary living spaces, nurturing a feeling of balance and wellness. I intended to cater to the increasing need for people to re-establish daily connections with nature, particularly in urban settings where such opportunities are scarce. This project enabled me to delve into the fusion of nature and design, pushing the limits of conventional furniture aesthetics while emphasizing ergonomic comfort.
CDZ : I am currently in the prototype stage with the Älskar lounge chair and exploring various options for its production. My primary goal is to see this design reach a broader audience, so I am open to collaborating with established furniture manufacturers who share my vision for quality and innovation. I am considering selling and leasing the production rights to ensure the chair is produced to the highest standards and made widely available. On the other hand, I am also contemplating producing the Älskar lounge chair independently. This approach would allow me to control the manufacturing process completely, ensuring that every detail aligns with my original vision and quality expectations. Producing the chair myself would also enable me to experiment with different materials and finishes, such as cast plastic with a metal base, to offer a variety of options to consumers.
CDZ : Creating the Älskar lounge chair was a heartfelt endeavor born out of a longing to craft a furniture piece that harmonizes the natural world with contemporary living spaces. I aspired to design a lounge chair that evokes a sense of comfort and well-being, beckoning individuals to unwind in a space that seamlessly merges the natural and the modern. The Älskar lounge chair epitomizes my dedication to crafting designs that are visually captivating and deeply rooted in the natural world, nurturing a harmonious and enriching living environment.
CDZ : I've been deeply inspired by several influential designers and their work while creating the Älskar lounge chair. Hans Wegner's elegant and functional furniture designs, which flawlessly blend form and function, have had a profound impact on my design approach. His ability to create pieces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also ergonomically comfortable has been a guiding light for me in creating the Älskar lounge chair. Isamu Noguchi's sculptural approach to furniture design and his emphasis on organic forms have resonated deeply with my vision for Älskar. His skill in drawing inspiration from nature and seamlessly integrating it into his designs has encouraged me to explore the natural beauty of Ginkgo leaves and incorporate their graceful curves into my work. Alvar Aalto's innovative use of plywood and his talent for blending organic forms with modernist principles have also influenced my approach to designing the Älskar lounge chair. His designs, which often reflect a harmonious relationship between human beings and their environment, align closely with my design philosophy. The principles of Scandinavian design, characterized by simplicity, minimalism, and functionality, have also played a significant role in shaping the Älskar lounge chair. The clean lines and use of natural materials commonly found in Scandinavian furniture have inspired me to create a timeless and modern design that emphasizes the beauty of natural forms and materials.
CDZ : The chair is designed for individuals who appreciate the fusion of nature-inspired aesthetics and modern functionality in their living spaces, including Urban Dwellers, Interior Designers and Architects, Design Enthusiasts, Eco-conscious Consumers, and Comfort Seekers.
CDZ : The Älskar lounge chair is very special to me, blending my inspiration from nature with comfort and craftsmanship. It is not only visually appealing but also prioritizes exceptional comfort, with contours and the most appropriate angles that support the body and promote relaxation.
CDZ : This name, "Älskar." is rooted in the Swedish word for "love," chosen to symbolize the deep intention of promoting well-being, comfort, and emotional connection within living spaces. It captures the essence of creating a piece that people will cherish, bringing warmth and harmony into their homes. Similar to how the design of the chair draws inspiration from the natural beauty of Ginkgo leaves, the name Älskar embodies a love and admiration for nature.
CDZ : While working on the Älskar lounge chair project, I used a mix of traditional and modern design tools. Hand-drawing and sketching helped me explore and refine the organic forms inspired by Ginkgo leaves. CAD software allowed for precise adjustments and 3D modeling, while CNC machining and traditional woodworking tools were used in the prototyping stage. I also relied on rendering software to create realistic visualizations of the chair in various settings and materials for presentations to potential manufacturers and clients.
CDZ : The Älskar lounge chair is special for its seamless integration of nature-inspired aesthetics with ergonomic comfort. Drawing inspiration from the elegant forms of Ginkgo leaves, the chair features smooth curves and rounded edges that evoke the natural beauty of these leaves, creating a visually striking and inviting seating experience. This organic design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of any living space but also fosters a sense of tranquility and well-being, making users feel more connected to nature.
CDZ : As the designer of the Älskar lounge chair, I primarily led the design and development process. Still, I also collaborated with several individuals who brought specialized technical skills and expertise to the project. A key part of the process involved working with a CNC machinist to create the precision-machined metal legs of the chair. Additionally, I consulted with ergonomic experts to ensure that the chair provided optimal support and weight distribution. Their insights helped refine the chair's dimensions and contours to enhance user experience and well-being.
CDZ : The creation of my Älskar lounge chair was shaped by the thoughtful incorporation of technology. CAD software facilitated precise 3D modeling and design refinement, ensuring visual appeal and ergonomic comfort. CNC machining played a pivotal role in crafting the chair's legs with utmost accuracy and intricate details, complementing the natural curves of the seat. Advanced prototyping tools allowed for material exploration, enabling the consideration of various finishes such as bent plywood and cast plastic with metal bases. Rendering software provided lifelike visualizations to communicate the design to potential manufacturers and clients effectively. These technologies played a significant role in bringing the chair to life.
CDZ : To ensure that the chair met both aesthetic and functional goals, I conducted a comprehensive qualitative study focused on user experience and aesthetic preferences. This research included online surveys and in-person interviews to gather insights into how users connect with nature in their living spaces and what elements evoke a sense of comfort and tranquility. Observational studies within residential settings helped to understand user interactions with furniture further. Mood boards were also used to capture and analyze participants' design preferences (my favorite), leading to a design that consistently evoked positive emotional responses and a strong connection to nature.
CDZ : Creating the Älskar lounge chair was a journey filled with numerous obstacles. Balancing the organic, nature-inspired aesthetics of the Ginkgo leaf with ergonomic comfort was a significant challenge. I had to refine and iterate the design to achieve the perfect balance. Forming the shells of the chair was particularly difficult, and it required innovative methods to achieve the desired shape. Integrating traditional craftsmanship with modern CNC machining techniques to achieve precise details and a smooth finish was also complex.
CDZ : I decided to submit the Älskar lounge chair to international design competitions to gain broader recognition and validate my work within the global design community. After investing significant time and effort into the process, I wanted to showcase the design to a broader audience and see how it measured up against other innovative creations worldwide.
CDZ : Designing the Älskar lounge chair was a deeply impactful journey that enriched my skills and insight as a designer. One of the most valuable lessons I gained was the significance of harmonizing beauty with utility. Crafting a visually captivating piece that also delivers ergonomic support demanded meticulous attention to detail and continuous refinement. I also broadened my understanding of materials and production methods.
CDZ : I want to emphasize the emotional and environmental impact of the Älskar lounge chair. It's not just about its looks and comfort - sustainability was a key consideration in its design. I chose eco-friendly materials and production methods to minimize its environmental footprint. Customization is another important aspect. Älskar can be adapted to various materials and finishes, allowing for a wide range of styles to suit different interiors and personal preferences. This flexibility ensures that the chair can meet diverse aesthetic and functional needs. Lastly, I am committed to continuing this journey of innovative design. Creating Älskar has inspired me to explore new projects that push the boundaries of traditional furniture design while remaining grounded in the principles of sustainability, comfort, and emotional resonance. I am excited to share more of these future endeavors with the design community and beyond.
