KNOT :: Behance

Knot

Functional Art

Functional art is series which 2-LA Design is exploring the relationship between form and function, the methodology we applied is quite different from traditional industrial design process, in typical industrial design process, form follows function, but we think this Bauhaus principle may not be 100% fit in today's lifestyle and most of time form is compromised, we are experimenting reserve process that makes function follows form, when we start design, we don't define the use of product, we only define form we think is intriguing enough, then we exploring what is best function can be applied to this form, in this case, form is never compromised, function is suitable, final outcome is unexpected but amazing.

This time, we discovered form opportunity from mathematics, the classic knot theory from topology is the start point of this project, we took simplest trefoil knot as our basic shape and explored size and proportion to fit into something functional

Very first 3D exploration based on knot theory in early 2017

exploring the different proportion and looking for bast fitting

after tried many possibilities, we found the trefoil knot structure provides great stability and we quickly prototypes mini mock-up to test in real life, we found knot structure beautifully hold object and stands firmly

Knot mock-up holds cup beautifully and firmly

After prototyping we started perfecting design with right size, proportion and line flow to make it most beautiful table possible

Knot from top showing prefect trefoil knot shape

Knot from perspective as dancing curve

Knot from different perspective as roller coaster trail

2017, one of very first sample was tested in South California with one of most complicated metal forming process which start to showing some of major manufacturing challenges which lead us 3 years in polishing manufacturing quality and perfecting it to premium furniture level