# Designer Chess Pieces Daniel Weil Changes the Game with His Architecturally-Inspired Chess Set By Brandon Bastaldo | Published 2013-03-25 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/designer-chess-pieces References: [designweek](http://www.designweek.co.uk/news/daniel-weil-redesigns-the-chess-set/3036205.article) & [thedailybeast](http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2012/10/14/chess-enthusiasts-plot-to-revive-the-game-of-kings.html) Although chess is a strategic game many turn to when seeking a little bit of introspection, it’s easy to see that the beautifully contoured game pieces used for this mental exercise have an attractive visual appeal too and Daniel Weil’s designer chess pieces are a great example of how to take the chic look of this centuries old pastime to the next level. Working for a design firm called [Pentagram](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minimoog-model-d-synth), Weil was commissioned by the [World Chess](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/main-light) organization to redesign the sleek, well-known appearance of the standard chess game pieces. Weil says that his general idea behind this overhaul was to “sharpen the theatricality and allow the players to be the characters that they are.” By remodeling pieces with Neo-Classical architecture and issues of holding comfort in mind, Weil’s designer chess pieces are ushering this old game into a new, visually striking era. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.8/10 - Popularity: 16% | Activity: 30% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Designer Chess Pieces:** New designer chess pieces are incorporating Neo-Classical architecture and ergonomic design. - **Architectural Game Pieces:** Incorporating architecture into game pieces makes for visually appealing design. - **Gaming Upgrade:** Introducing new, artistically designed chess pieces adds a touch of elegance to the classic game. ### Who This Affects Most - **Gaming and Toy Industry:** The gaming and toy industry can benefit from incorporating innovative and beautifully designed chess sets. - **Art and Design Industry:** Designers can explore incorporating architecture into their products, opening up a new artistic avenue. - **Interior Design Industry:** Designer chess sets can make for great decorative pieces in high-end homes and hotel lobbies. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Incredibly Elegant Chess Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elevated-chess-set.md) - [Beautifully Artful Chess Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dune-chess-set.md) - [Architecturally Inspired Chess Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baku-chess-set.md) - [Ceramic Chess Seating Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chair-chess.md) - [NYC-Inspired Structural Chess Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chess-nyc.md) - [Minimalist Monolithic Chess Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minimalist-chess-set.md) - [Brutalist Chess Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mohmaya.md) - [Artful Wearable Chess Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ha-mat-set.md) - [Republic-Honoring Chess Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chess-set-concept.md)