Singchan Design collection “Thewall” is a dialogue between architecture, history, and design
The concept of borders has long shaped civilizations, influencing not only territorial disputes but also cultural exchanges. Inspired by these liminal spaces, Singchan Design presents collection “Thewall” that reinterprets the architectural and symbolic significance of China’s historical borders. The studio, founded by Chen Xinyu in 2020, explores the intersection of past and present, reconstructing narratives through meticulously crafted objects that embody both tradition and transformation.
The collection, rooted in the legacy of Chinese frontier architecture, draws from the structural forms and ideological meanings of walls, enclosures, and passageways. Informed by historical texts and artistic interpretations, the designs reflect the dual nature of borders as both divisive barriers and points of convergence. The relationship between opposing forces, whether civilizations, ideologies, or materials, is central to the aesthetic language of the collection. The interplay of form, structure, and texture suggests the tension between order and chaos, control and possibility.
The atrium tea table series exemplifies this conceptual foundation. Modular in design, the tables can be freely assembled to create different compositions, evoking either the continuous form of the Great Wall or fragmented ruins. The former arrangement recalls the disciplined geometry of imperial courtyards, symbolizing stability and enclosure. In contrast, the staggered and scattered configurations reflect the impermanence and fluidity of historical narratives, inviting reinterpretation based on perspective and imagination.
Materiality plays an essential role in reinforcing these themes. Stainless steel, treated with electroplating, retains an unfinished surface, allowing natural oxidation and user interaction to shape its appearance over time. This approach embraces imperfection as an aesthetic principle, mirroring the evolving nature of cultural artifacts that bear traces of human presence. The decision to leave the metal exposed underscores a dialogue between permanence and transformation, reflecting the layered histories embedded in borderland spaces.
Beyond physical form, the Singchan Design collection incorporates literary and philosophical reflections on frontier life. Referencing both Western and Eastern perspectives, it engages with historical narratives of confrontation and coalescence. Poetic imagery of desolate landscapes, drawn from classical Chinese verse, reinforces the emotional resonance of the objects. The collection becomes not only a study of architectural memory but also an exploration of human experience within liminal spaces.
Singchan Design’s work transcends mere functionality, offering a meditation on the nature of boundaries, both tangible and conceptual. Through a synthesis of history, materiality, and design, the collection reimagines the meaning of separation and connection, crafting objects that serve as bridges between time, cultures, and interpretations.
All images courtesy of Singchan Design, shared with permission
