zhang ke for moroso at milan design week 2012

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.

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.

ink-water calligraphy work by zhang ke surfaces the encompassing screen partitions

side view

placing seating on all four sides creates an island piece instead of typical furniture placement along a wall

diverse niche sizes accommodate lounging, sitting or multiple individuals

details of curved seat backs

‘dots’ stools image © designboom

portrait of zhang ke image © designboom

concept rendering of showroom

concept rendering of showroom

elevation