pipe dynasty PVC furniture by 56th studio

pipe

‘pipe dynasty’ is a consummate defiant act against ingrained convention, while contemporaneously throwing a proverbial punch at class-strata and turning our nose up at absolute, and senseless, conservatism. designed by 56th studio, the collection also takes a tongue-in-cheek snub at its traditional mastery. by giving a new interpretation to an inconspicuously common piece of furniture that is universally found in most asians’ households; the bamboo chair, ‘pipe dynasty’ revamps the common with the uncommon. recreating its look with run-of-the mill water and pvc pipes and old pieces of perforated metal sheet gives a new outlook and encourage a new outtake on its ‘classic’ precursor.

posing a question to a concept of ‘eternal goodness or absolute truth’ passing along from generation to generation is the aim in designing this collection. the collection is inspired by the philosophy, works and the relentless devotion to deconstruct society and politics through art by ai wei wei, a prominent chinese artist. the furniture series wants to erase the romantic notion normally associated with natural and historical elements i.e. bamboo, hand weaving,assembling and general craftsmanship. these factors connote a certain system and ideology while mixing in the perception of beauty and belief that have been faithfully passed on without any question. 

different color variations

strangely, people duly accept the thought and belief that their ancestors instilled in them with hardly an objection. this occurs not only in china but universally takes root in many asian cultures in their own distinctive forms such as states, religions, spiritual leaders and various institutions.on the contrary, this collection accentuates the importance of ordinary and valueless materials, and goes so far as to use even junks, such as old perforated metal sheets and PVC tubes. by simply piercing and interlocking them together, the resulting creations can be re-assembled and are very portable. ‘pipe dynasty’ provokes questioning and encourages new take on cultural legacies on thought, philosophy, belief and style. the collection wholeheartedly supports self-criticism and upholds the love of trash that is omnipresent and trite, yet may inhabit curious reflections of our very own existence given deeper contemplation.

pipe dynasty in gold, copper, and graphite

pipe dynasty in copper

flat packed version

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.