Cenear

Bench for Cenire

The Cenear Bench draws inspiration from the graceful curves and rich heritage of tea gardens, seamlessly merging contemporary Chinese furniture elements with an homage to historical culture. Crafted to encourage open communication, it boasts a soft cushion seat affixed to a wooden frame, accompanied by two differently colored shaped cushions for adaptable comfort. The bench caters to the modern user's penchant for personalized seating configurations, featuring curved sections and supportive backrests that encourage relaxed and engaging conversations.

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Cenear by Christine Xiang

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Bench by Christine Xiang

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Christine Xiang Cenear

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Christine Xiang Bench

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Unique Properties

The Cenear Bench has been designed to encourage conversation among users. Its defining feature is the implementation of two differently shaped cushions attached to the wooden frame, providing options for individualized seating preferences. This interactive design adds functionality and playfulness to the bench, distinguishing it from other seating options. Moreover, this bench is ideal for both indoor and outdoor settings, making it versatile across various environments.

Tags

Cenear, Bench, Furniture, Wood, Indoor Furniture, Seating, Design Concept, Outdoor Furniture

Production Technology

The final prototype was made of black walnut. In addition to using a CNC machine to shape the curvature, the wood frame was further hand-sanded for a smooth texture. The upholstery utilized foam cushions sewn with Microsuede fabric, providing a nice contrast.

Design Challenge

In crafting the Cenear Bench, designers faced the challenge of harmonizing comfort with cushions of various shapes. They undertook surveys and interviews with users to discern their requirements, leading to the incorporation of two differently colored shaped cushions affixed to the black walnut wood frame. The bench's elegant, contemporary design appeals to a wide range of users, providing stability, harmony, and an interactive feature that can enhance the comfort of all users.

Project Duration

The project began in September 2018 in Pasadena, California, and was exhibited at ICFF in May 2019. The Cenear Bench, in its current form, has undergone several design changes since 2018 and was finalized in 2023.

Operation Flow

The Cenear Bench is designed to create a welcoming space for two people to openly communicate. The soft cushion seat is attached to the wooden bench. Two differently colored shaped cushions allow users to sit in various postures and still feel comfortable. This innovative sectional seating transforms the bench into a relaxed and open conversation seating experience. The interaction between the user and the bench creates a more interactive and warm atmosphere with the curvature of the seating.

Research

After conducting a series of surveys, in-depth interviews, and design research, alongside 1-to-1 scale mockups, it became evident that contemporary users have distinct preferences for seating arrangements tailored to different activities. In response, the Cenear Bench was developed to facilitate casual conversation while offering a distinctive and inviting user experience. With its curved seating sections and supportive backrest, it encourages users to engage comfortably in conversation. This research-driven approach sets the Cenear Bench apart from others.

Inspiration

The tea garden, with its curves and evocative history, served as the initial inspiration for the Cenear Bench. The goal was to blend modern Chinese furniture concepts with a tribute to historical Chinese culture. This inspired the incorporation of ancient tea garden curvature into the design of the back support. This created a unique, modern bench that also evokes the past.

Image Credits

All Image: Photographer Yugong Luo, 2018. All Image: Art Direct Christine Xiang, 2018.

Project Overview

Cenear Bench has been a Silver winner in the Furniture Design award category in the year 2023 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.

Silver Recognition

Christine Xiang was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2024, a testament to excellence of their work Cenear Bench.

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