The Design for Asia Awards usually honor the best technology products of the year. And for their last edition, for instance the Nokia 8800 or the Sony HS75P LCD flat screen were acclaimed. Nothing special so far. But looking closer to the winners list, oh nice, they also distinguished Kenneth Cobonpue!
The international furniture designer, native from the Philippines who also runs its own company, hooked their interest with his Lolah seat, made of steamed rattan (see Wikipedia). Very smooth, sensual shape. Completely hand-made. Respectfully compliant with techniques taken from ancient Asian shipbuilding.
To conform such a nice form, rattan is sliced by knife cutters, bent with heat and adjusted by steam. The result could then nailed, glue or twine with nylon.
Modern yet traditional. “Cobonpue discovered that modern design could have a new face using these natural fibres and materials as its medium”, as claimed in the official excerpt. Even if Kenneth Cobonpue acknowledged that his mother Betty “invented a new technique of working with rattan in the 1980s which became our signature style.”
Cobonpue’s inspiration comes from Asian culture and history. That is his strength. In the same interview, he describes himself as occupying a niche in the world of furniture design because he use natural materials only from Asia. “People are more relaxed nowadays and I incorporate that in my work. People sit lower, sofas are deeper and the mood is casual. People also travel a lot and they want to bring a piece of the world to their homes. I hope my work reminds them of this corner of the world and the beauty found in our people and culture.” Nice way to bring cultures to know each other.
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