Hung King Family Sofa Set by Nguyen Duc Huynh TAKE A LOOK IN THE RECENT DEVELOPMENT OF THE VIETNAMESE FURNITURE DESIGN INDUSTRY IN THE COMPETITION ORGANIZED BY AMERICAN HARDWOOD EXPORT COUNCIL (AHEC) AND HANDICRAFT AND WOOD INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF HO CHI MINH CITY (HAWA)
TEXT: PRATARN TEERATADA
PHOTO COURTESY OF AMERICAN HARDWOOD EXPORT COUNCIL (AHEC)
(For Thai, press here)
Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of Ho Chi Minh City (HAWA) has joined forces with American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) for the organization of The Hoa Mai Furniture Design Competition. Held for 18 consecutive years, the project aims to provide a platform and support for young generation designers in Vietnam, encouraging them to experiment and use American hardwood in their works. This year welcomes the total 336 entries, with 17 works shortlisted by the judging panel before the final 8 works which have been selected for the following awards:
First Prize Winner: S21 Rocking Chair and Hung King Family Sofa Set
by Nguyen Duc Huynh
The S21 Rocking Chair and Hung King Family Sofa Set takes inspiration from a hand truck commonly used to deliver packages or soft drink crates to local retail shops. The table contains an extra functionality of a cushion for foot placement. The sofa is inspired by remains of old stupas with multiple entryways that lead into the oriental-style dome architecture seen throughout Vietnam. The designer intends for the series to be a warm addition to a living space inside family homes.
Simple Combination by Tran Minh Tien & Tran Phat Thuan
Simple Combination by Tran Minh Tien & Tran Phat Thuan
Second Prize winner: Simple Combination
by Tran Minh Tien & Tran Phat Thuan
Developed from a simple idea where wood and steel are paired up to accentuate the physical characteristics of the wood pattern.
Alpha Chair by Tran Cam Trinh & Tran Phat Thuan
Second Prize winner: Alpha Chair
by Tran Cam Trinh & Tran Phat Thuan
Like its name, the design of Alpha Chair originates from the alpha symbol. The work focuses on the comfort and convenience of its users with foldable details operated by the mechanism that joins the seating and frame with an elastic belt, shrink wire and iron bolts.
Home by Vu Phan Hoai Nhi
Third Prize Winner: Home
by Vu Phan Hoai Nhi from Van Lang University
The pandemic is a global crisis that has ignited a demand for highly flexible workplaces. Applicable to both living and office spaces, the piece provides a sense of privacy with the design that can be easily stored while the wheel mechanism offers greater mobility.
Dinh Chair by Tran Hoang Long
Special Mention: Dinh Chair
by Tran Hoang Long
Offering both weightlessness and stability, the chair’s sturdy back legs and slender front legs come with armrests whose design takes inspirations from the rafters of Vietnamese traditional vernacular homes.
Parapol Chair by Ngo Duy Khanh
Special Mention: Parapol Chair
by Ngo Duy Khanh from Ho Chi Minh University of Architecture
Inspired by the parabola graph learned in math classes, the designer stylishly unites the powerful and charming form of parabola curves and the bending capabilities of American red oak wood.
Cyclo Chair by Tran Thanh Huyen
Special Mention: Cyclo Chair
by Tran Thanh Huyen from Hanoi Architecture University
The piece interprets the love story of a Chinese man and a young French lady in the film, The Lover (1992), set in the hot and humid city of Saigon in the 1920’s. It is inspired by the colors and aesthetics, particularly of a cyclo, or trishaw, which is a symbol of the old capital, the elites and the French officials. The Cyclo chair is an embodiment of the old Saigon’s exotic urban spirit.
Special Mention: Percent (%) by Dao Son Tung & Dao Son Lam from Hanoi University of Construction
A refreshing reinterpretation of local craft products and traditions, Percent (%) is a symbol of the indie-folk music and its combined melodies of indie rock and acoustic sound of folk. Bold and modern in its appearance, the piece possesses certain traditional elements shown through the ceramics from the ancient village of Bat Trang in Hanoi, Vietnam. Ultimately making the design both cool and incredibly unique.
There has definitely been some significant developments from this year’s competition compared to the previous years where equal emphasis was placed on practicality of commercial production, marketability and creativity. This year, the judging panel looks for works with great adaptability and versatility while creativity is still one of the main focuses, allowing for the designs from the finalists to be much more fun and exciting. Reaching its 18th year with the organizers’ continual support, The Hoa Mai Furniture Design Competition delivers even more fascinating results of unique, progressive design creations that will no doubt push the Vietnamese furniture design industry to become a force to be reckoned with.