TDRI exhibition presents evolution of Taiwan chair design

2020/03/12

An exhibition portraying the evolution of national chair design opened March 10 at Taiwan Design Museum in Taipei City’s Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, drawing attention to the creative energy behind the everyday furniture item.
 
 Co-hosted by Taiwan Design Research Institute and homegrown DHH studio, “Sit Down Please” runs through July 5 and showcases dozens of chairs reflecting the changing aesthetics of seats spanning several generations. According to Gina Hsu, curator of the exhibition, chair design is not only an indicator of industrial development but also an expression of culture.
 
 The exhibition is divided into three sections displaying various types of chairs manufactured over the past century in Taiwan, pieces crafted by contemporary local designers and an influential work from abroad.
 
 Among the historical pieces on show are iconic bamboo chairs of the 1930s, tulip-shaped plastic chairs of the 1950s and circular chairs of the 1960s. These will strike a nostalgic note for local visitors, Hsu said.
 
 Thirteen of Taiwan’s top furniture designers contributed pieces to the exhibition’s contemporary works, which highlight innovations in the use of materials and manufacturing processes, Hsu added.
 
 Ergonomics is the central concept of the final section, with the groundbreaking lounge chair created by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956 acting as the focal point. To accentuate the spirit of experimentation embodied by their work, Hsu added a DIY space for visitors to try their hands at chair design.
 
 Previously known as Taiwan Design Center, TDRI was co-founded by the Ministries of Economic Affairs and Education with the help of private funds in 2020. The organization strives to make design an integral part of Taiwan industries and give young designers a creative platform.

Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)