AFTER TALKING TO SATAWAT’S RATTHEE PHAISANCHOTSIRI, WE REALIZE THAT THIS UNIQUE STOOL ACTUALLY ORIGINATED FROM A MORE PERSONAL STORY IN THE MIND OF THE DESIGNER WHO’S ALMOST TURNED 30
TEXT: NAPAT CHARITBUTRA
PHOTO COURTESY OF SATAWAT
(For Thai, press here)
Sitting on a chair is a westernized behavior, as opposed to the fact that in the past we sat, slept and so forth on the floor. While some westerners regard sitting on the floor as uncivilized and unhealthy, Asians respond, “Hey, it’s much more comfortable.”
That’s the first thought when we saw T-Stool, the second development of the meditation stool for the propped-up poses of Virasana (Hero) or Vajrasana (Thunderbolt), simpler than the original Sora (2016) and available at the recent Bangkok Design Week 2020. After talking to SATAWAT’s Ratthee Phaisanchotsiri, we realize that this unique stool actually originated from a more personal story in the mind of the designer who’s almost turned 30.
Our thoughts constantly evolve and it shows through our deeds. Ratthee tells art4d that he’s not that pious but what he likes about religion is peaceful mind. “If a temple is a peaceful space, I believe everyone has his/her own temple, which can simply be his/her room,” says Ratthee. He adds that the main drive behind this design is the “in-between” of meditation and emptiness in which he brought back the feelings from when he’s 22-23 years old, his most meaningful period of life.
After Sora was available in the market in 2016, T-Stool’s prototype was developed but it was left in the studio for almost four years. By the invitation of Design PLANT in late 2019, Ratthee dusted off the project and had it manufactured, saying, “It’s the first time we’re selling what we create. If the user feels better in meditation, I’d be even happier.” In the end, T-Stool is what happens when the designer approaches his 30s and we’ll soon see how the critical ages of 35 and 40 influence his design.
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