Objects of Transcendence: Designs from 2024 which explored science and spirituality

Many believe that science and spirituality are two sides of the same coin—a powerful notion. While one is about the relentless pursuit of the truth of all things tangible, the other focuses on realisation and connection—that of the self and the unknown, and seeking the objective truths of the universe—to find meaning in existence. While science provides empirical proof and therefore, knowledge and clarity, spirituality, whether or not inspired by religion, is rooted in the intangible strength of faith, a different route towards explication. Together, they provide a significant sense of fulfilment, understanding, inspiration and purpose.

Revisiting the best of 2024, STIR highlights select design projects which, in their abstraction and dichotomy, challenged one's worldview, begot or cited extant learnings, and encouraged one to look within.

1. Capturing Qi by Yoojin Chung

Aiming to promote well-being, prosperity and good fortune, the ancient Chinese practice of Feng Shui, which harmonises users with their environment based on the natural flow of energy ('Qi'), has now been largely commodified due to commercialisation. Korean designer Yoojin Chung responded to this predicament with the Capturing Qi collection, satirically examining the loss of the spiritual tradition's core values and its implications. Ironically commentating on the intangible, spiritual essence of Feng Shui, the product designer created smart devices crafted from transparent vacuum-formed acrylic, metal and 3D printed joinery, from objects such as crystal balls and wind chimes—items popularly associated with the shallow perception of spirituality.

2. 3D printed sculptures by Jo Fairfax

Earlier this year, London's Somerset House displayed 12 otherworldly sculptural designs by lighting designer Jo Fairfax, who let his subconscious inform the pieces, based on the renowned Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung's 12 archetypes of collective unconsciousness introduced in the 20th century. The product designs were shaped from a bio-sourced PLA, based on cornstarch, through 3D printing after Fairfax used 3D visualisation software to manipulate the elements of the pieces. The psychiatry and philosophy-inspired sculpture art pieces are as eccentric and unusual as the artist's other works, which often draw on perception, time and space.

3. The New Transcendence at Friedman Benda

The design exhibition on view at Friedman Benda, New York, examined the 'place of the spiritual' in the showcased contemporary designs of six professionals from various design industries. The designers attempted to shape an objective anchor for the subjective, personal nature of spirituality through a variety of furniture designs, including benches, chairs and lamps, and more. STIR interviewed its curator, Glenn Adamson, to shed light on the intent of the show, which aimed "to discover how design can serve as a vehicle for personal and societal transcendence".

4. Notre-Dame's furniture design by Guillaume Bardet

Following the tragic fire of Notre Dame in 2019, the Archdiocese of Paris strove to restore and renew the renowned gothic cathedral to establish a new identity for believers and non-believers alike. French designer Guillaume Bardet was chosen for his elegant and minimalist liturgical furniture designs that stay true to tradition while focusing on innovative designs, that even the non-believing visitors can spiritually connect to. With bronze as the primary material for the geometric designs, Bardet crafted a cohesive ensemble of the altar, ambo, tabernacle, baptistery and cathedra with seats, which respect the sacred environment it is a part of while commanding a gentle yet distinctive presence.

5. The Ordinance of the Subconscious Treatment by Duyi Han

Chinese designer Duyi Han's neuro-aesthetic furniture collection, The Ordinance of the Subconscious Treatment, was informed by a fusion of contemporary mental health practices and traditional motifs found in Chinese architecture of the temples of Buddhism. The collection comprised furniture designs such as a daybed, a medicine cabinet, chairs, tables and lighting designs featuring Taoist talismans and calligraphy embroidered on silk drapes that ancient Chinese folk healers used to dispel illness and evil. Underlining the dichotomies between intangible parameters such as eeriness and familiarity, conflict and reconciliation, pain and healing, the designs urged people to confront their perceptions and beliefs of the inner and the outer worlds.

STIRred 2024 wraps up the year with curated compilations of our expansive art, architecture and design coverage at STIR this year. Did your favourites make the list? Tell us in the comments!