The ‘Hazy’ collection by Studio TZEN redefines sustainable furniture for offices

Multidisciplinary design studio TZEN manoeuvres design as a bridge between users and their surroundings, turning to simplicity and minimalism to create their function-focused product designs. The same ideology has been translated into their latest furniture collection named Hazy, which comprises office system shelves playing on translucence and swaying visuals that are geared towards a creative vision for future office compartments. In addition to the calming effect that greenery has, a more flexible and effective workspace can be swiftly created by means of the easy mobility and multifunctional design of the Hazy collection, which creates a synthesis between furniture, plants, and light.

“We adopt the design of modularity and a changeful, free combination for office furniture to break up a space. We allow users to become a part of the creation, and participate in different environmental experiences. Using a framework that can meet the users' journey, Hazy holds meaning for a variety of different working values, while prolonging the product's life to achieve the effect of circular sustainability. We blend Eastern and Western cultures with simple, clear intentions to improve every corner of life. Our designs embrace simplicity and relaxation to achieve excellence,” shares Tianze Chen, co-founder of Studio TZEN, which has offices in Beijing and Milan.

The furniture design collection (which gets its name from its translucent aesthetic), aims to empower its users towards creating unique experiences while meeting sustainable design goals. The office furniture is designed to be adjustable and scalable, to accommodate itself within spaces for meetings as well as individual needs, rendering it flexible. Imbibed with sustainability features, Hazy’s framework encourages user participation through an extended lifespan. “To allow consumers to change freely and effortlessly while using this product, Hazy can also easily be disassembled. When the company needs a more functional office or needs to change the office environment, it can also remove parts of the plant and install writing boards and shelves. Through the adjustment and combination of accessories, Hazy serves both individual and teamworking needs, and works well in open and closed spaces, creating a balance between concentration and relaxation,” Chen explains.

“When we designed the office shelf, our main aim was to make it eco-friendly and make it last longer. We always focus on how to create a peaceful atmosphere for interior spaces, and use the same philosophy to inspire more people,” Chen continues. To achieve swift assembly and customisation as desired by the users, the furniture designers at Studio TZEN conducted extensive research on rapid disassembly formats, extending into the collection being adaptable, safe, and reliable. This collection has also prompted the studio's creativity, enabling them to start working on fresh products that embody the same guiding principles. “We will explore various types of furniture, including chairs, tables, and more, applying the principles of sustainability to a wider range of office furniture,” the product designer reveals.

To inculcate better user experiences and accomplish its goals, the industrial design studio believes in exploring its limits while embracing the tenets of simplicity through their works. This process equips Studio TZEN to concentrate on what really matters, resulting in sharper comprehension and success in their ensuing design undertakings. The studio also wishes to disseminate its design philosophy through workshops, talks, and various curated online platforms, aiming to raise awareness about the paradigm of sustainable design, spreading environmental consciousness, and encouraging more active participation towards this endeavour.

Text by Ria Jha