zhang ke for moroso at milan design week 2012 image © designboom

 

 

 

unveiled at milan design week, chinese architect zhang ke of beijing-based practice standardarchitecture has designed ‘hidden dragon’, a sofa for italian manufacturing company, moroso. sinuous curves evoke the imagery of the western mountain landscape, forming the seat-backs and separate niches for diverse seating experiences. individuals may sit or recline and easily converse with their neighbors, generating a setting for relationships and public intimacy. derived from ancient chinese tales of the water dragon, the form of the piece represents a physical interpretation of the dragons usually invisible movement.

zhang ke for moroso at milan design week 2012 two supports delicately elevate the long sofa

 

 

 

accessible from all four sides, the couch is an island furniture element, resisting the typical placement against a wall. folding screen partitions surfaced with ink-water calligraphy panels by the designer envelope the room, depicting a still moment in a fluid and evolving process. supported with only four minimal metal legs, the elongated body delicately floats within the space, mirroring its bold-red exterior within the high-gloss flooring, similar to a mountain reflecting within water.

zhang ke for moroso at milan design week 2012 ink-water calligraphy work by zhang ke surfaces the encompassing screen partitions

 

zhang ke for moroso at milan design week 2012 side view

 

zhang ke for moroso at milan design week 2012 placing seating on all four sides creates an island piece instead of typical furniture placement along a wall

 

zhang ke for moroso at milan design week 2012 diverse niche sizes accommodate lounging, sitting or multiple individuals

 

zhang ke for moroso at milan design week 2012 details of curved seat backs

 

zhang ke for moroso at milan design week 2012 ‘dots’ stools image © designboom

 

zhang ke for moroso at milan design week 2012 portrait of zhang ke image © designboom

 

zhang ke for moroso at milan design week 2012 concept rendering of showroom

 

zhang ke for moroso at milan design week 2012 concept rendering of showroom

 

zhang ke for moroso at milan design week 2012 elevation