woocheol shin pierces dark wood furniture with circular openings for porthole series

angular forms and circular openings shape porthole series

Woocheol Shin continues his explorations of playful and minimalist furnishings with the Porthole Series, presenting a collection of furniture objects comprising shelves, tables, and chairs. Sculptural in profile, and marked with simple geometries and dark stained wood, each is united by a common motif – a pierced circular gap. The rounded engravings inject an organic rhythm to the angular forms while framing playful perspectives. ‘By doing so, the sense of disconnection and stuffiness in the clogged state changes into a sense of openness and circulation, as if the surrounding air is being blown out through the round hole,’ notes Shin.

all images courtesy of Woocheol Shin

woocheol shin’s furniture frames encompassing perspectives

According to Woocheol Shin, the Porthole Series focuses on elements that change and appear new by simply cutting circular gaps across various backgrounds and contexts. The repetitions of these ‘windows’, alongside the complex transition from closed to open, infuse a visual dynamism and a sense of balance, making the landscape seen through the gaps distinctly different from that seen in a completely open state. Along the surfaces, the inherent markings of the wood are embraced, lending the works an inviting, natural character.

The Porthole Series follows the designer’s Whale Chair, which with its curved, fin-like backrest, brings shapes and motifs from nature to craft seating that is both physically and visually comforting. In additional to the playful shape, the use of plywood, finished with black sumi ink, creates a warm yet elegant aesthetic.

Porthole Series

the collection comprises shelves, tables, and chairs

sculptural in profile, the works are marked with simple geometries and dark stained wood

rounded engravings inject an organic rhythm to the angular forms

c

the seats feature integrated storage

framing perspectives of the encompassing environment

the inherent markings of the wood are embraced, lending the works an inviting, natural character

project info:

name: Porthole series
designer: Woocheol Shin

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.

edited by: ravail khan | designboom