Crafting emotions: The design alchemy of 'Pressura' by Shim Seungyeon

In the dynamic cityscape of Seoul, where innovation is characterised by constant reinvention, designer Shim Seungyeon embarks on a creative journey, weaving together strength and sophistication in his Pressura stool and table collection. Guided by an exploration of natural expressions through material compression, the designer transforms the conventional use of hollow metal pipes into a fusion of form and function. Departing from the norm with larger-than-usual pipe diameters, the collection introduces a refreshing visual language, inviting users to engage with furniture designs that transcends mere utility. STIR delves into the art of compression and the thoughtful considerations that shape the distinctive Pressura series.

Amidst the vibrant energy of Seoul, the Korean designer draws inspiration from the city’s vitality to infuse life into the collection. Growing up in a metropolis shaped by its manufacturing heritage, Seungyeon found resonance in the ingenuity of local metal workshops. The decision to employ the technique of pressing hollow metal pipes, a method deeply rooted in Seoul’s industrial fabric, became an ode to the city’s manufacturing legacy. This choice wasn’t just a practical one but a deliberate embrace of the familiar- a nod to the small manufacturing plants that are still functioning in the city’s evolving design landscape. The furniture designer, while navigating the intricate relationship between creativity and pragmatism, discovered an inherent beauty in the simplicity of materials and technologies that are readily accessible in his hometown. The Pressura collection born from this melding of inspiration and environment, encapsulates the spirit of Seoul in each meticulously crafted piece.

The product designer’s innovative use of metal compression in the collection offers a fresh perspective on material expressions within the design. Straying from the usual, particularly through the purposeful selection of hollow metal pipes with a larger diameter, Seungyeon’s approach is more than an aesthetic deviation as it is a conscious effort to magnify the inherent transformative qualities of compression.

The compressed sections function as connectors, fostering an expressive dialogue between components and instilling a distinct character in each piece. The designer’s method embodies a subtle choreography, harmonising the material’s inherent essence with the designer’s vision, resulting in designs that captivate not just visually but also on an elemental level. This exploration pushes past the boundaries of conventional design, establishing a symbiotic connection between material and artistic expression.

The Pressura stool and table embody a balanced blend of bold and organic forms, showcasing the designer’s commitment to creating furniture that transcends beyond visual aesthetics, making them emotionally resonant. The three-legged support structure, seamlessly extending from the stool to the table, establishes visual continuity. The thick cylindrical shape, a result of metal compression, consistent across both the stool design and the table, communicates an expression that connects into a single plate. While not necessitating the use of a set, the emotional resonance within a space is heightened when the stool and table coexist. The collection with its glossy colours and commanding presence, asserts itself subtly in diverse spaces, offering users the freedom to evoke unique emotions within their surroundings.

Integrating different materials posed subtle challenges for the designer. The integration of the glass top for the table design serves as a deliberate choice to amplify the underlying structure while softening its appearance. Seungyeon, while considering alternative materials like wood furniture and marble, acknowledges to STIR that the choice of materials, including glass posed a delicate yet crucial consideration; the amalgamation of elements such as material, colour and shape. His cautious approach reveals a nuanced understanding of material chemistry, ensuring that the combination resonates seamlessly. This thoughtful material fusion underlines the designer’s commitment to creating furniture that functions cohesively within the context of contemporary living spaces.

Seungyeon’s foray into the realm of creative activities and business reflects a holistic approach to design. Collaboration plays a pivotal role in his journey, drawing inspiration from conversations outside of the design field. The experience of maintaining a studio while creating an identity as an independent designer provides insights that enrich both the creative and business aspects of his practice. As the designer navigates the intersection of design and commerce, the Pressura collection emerges as a tangible manifestation of his dedication to developing and distributing product designs that transcend boundaries.

Beyond aesthetics, the exploration of natural expressions through this industrial approach extends into functional considerations. The furniture designer’s use of thick diameter pipes aimed at creating bold, organic options for interior design. However, the representation’s unexpected structural robustness, achieved with a minimal number of parts, reveals an inherent functional quality, the furniture becoming more than a visual; a reliable, enduring element within a space.

As the Pressura stool and table carve a distinctive niche in the design world, Seungyeon envisions a future where the collection expands considerably. Beyond the current direction, the designer explores a myriad of ideas, engaging in discussions with brands in Asia and Korean counterparts. The anticipation of launching new products, including small props beyond furniture, reflects the designer’s dynamic approach to design evolution.

“I want people to have more positive emotions at home as I went through COVID 19. I am starting to notice the effects of soft, more positive emotions in space, even though the design is inherently cool. I think this collection has a realistic value”, says Seungyeon to STIR, shaping a narrative where the emotional impact of thoughtful design becomes an essential element of our everyday environments. Through the Pressura collection, the designer communicates not just through design but through the tangible experience of harmonising boldness, compression and emotion in the spaces we inhabit.