Graduate designer Woocheol Shin has designed the curved-plywood and stainless steel Whale Chair informed by the shape and smooth contours of the animal.
Shin built the Whale Chair using a combination of bent plywood and stainless steel to mimic the characteristic features of a whale's tail are defined through the smooth curves of the backrest.
"I aim to create emotional products," Hongik University graduate Shin explained. "[I took] a motif from nature and tried to melt it in a rational and aesthetic way within the category of furniture."
Smooth contours reflect the shape of a whale
Stained with Sumi ink, an east Asian ink typically used for calligraphy and brush painting, the heavy grain beech plywood was used to reinforce the whale motif and mimic the texture of whale skin. "The combination of wood and metal creates a warm feeling while creating a calm and sophisticated atmosphere," Shin told Dezeen.
Ink stained wood exposes the grain of the beech
To achieve the whale-like silhouette, the chair's wooden elements are divided into three individual pieces. The fin backrest is split in two and held together by steel piping, while the seat is designed to comfortably surround its user.
"The backrest and seat plate, inspired by the shape of a whale, are visually comfortable with their characteristic smooth curves and comfortably surround the seated person in terms of use," Shin said.
"A combination of wood and metal creates a warm f...