Chenkai Yang, Roots LInk (STUDENT 2025)

Student:

Tertiary

Name of school or tertiary institution, name of woodworking teacher (if you have one), and name of photographer:

China Academy of Art, Photographs: Haoze Shao

Country

China

Driven by the philosophy of "reconnecting humans with nature," this baobab-inspired biomimetic furniture suite integrates a table, chair, and cabinet. Its unique form emulates the branching structure found where limbs are cut from a tree trunk. The design intentionally evokes the iconic silhouette of the African baobab and the patterns of the savanna, aiming to spark meaningful conversations about conservation through its organic aesthetic. Furthermore, it fundamentally reimagines folding furniture, positioning it not merely as space-saving, but as a sculptural focal point within the home. The chair, representing the branches, utilizes traditional Asian lacquer techniques with entirely natural, eco-friendly materials. This reinforces the structure while achieving significant weight reduction. Conversely, the table and three-drawer cabinet (forming the trunk) employ an open-frame pine construction reminiscent of a birdcage, prioritizing minimal weight. The surfaces showcase innovative artistry through the Japanese wood mosaic technique, "Mokuzōgan". Traditionally applied flat, here it transitions into curved, three-dimensional forms.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.