Infinite by Jenny Trieu, a design student at the University of Houston, is a piece of furniture that can easily be mistaken for an abstract sculpture. The looped form may provide a nice tall backrest and a comfortable seat surface, but sitting on it will probably not be a person's first reaction unless specifically told it is a chair.
It is this artistic ambiguity that garnered Infinite by Jenny Trieu the top spot in the 10th Annual "Wilsonart Challenges…" Student Chair Design Competition. Epitomizing mid-century modernism (which happens to be the theme), Natalia Smith, design manager for Wilsonart, says, "The combination of a woodgrain and a bold, rich red as well as the illusion of mixing materials are what make the ‘Infinite’ chair the perfect example of mid-century modern."
Sculptural Looping Seats
Infinite by Jenny Trieu is Modeled After the Lemniscate Symbol
Trend Themes
1. Sculptural Furniture - Designing furniture that blurs the line between art and functionality.
2. Ambiguous Design - Creating products that challenge traditional perceptions and provoke curiosity.
3. Mixing Materials - Exploring the combination of different materials to create unique and visually striking designs.
Industry Implications
1. Furniture Design - Opportunity for designers to push the boundaries of conventional furniture and create pieces that are both functional and visually captivating.
2. Interior Design - Incorporating sculptural and ambiguous furniture designs into interior spaces to create interesting focal points and conversation starters.
3. Art Market - Expanding the definition of art by blurring the lines between art and design, appealing to collectors looking for unique and boundary-pushing pieces.