SEOUL DESIGN AWARD

Rooted in cultural symbolism and tactile simplicity, Frova is a sustainable chair made from recycled pulp. Hand-shaped, tool-free in assembly, and produced with minimal environmental impact, it embodies a low-impact design philosophy.

Its simple form, inspired by traditional patterns and the texture of mud bricks, evokes cultural memory. The pulp is compressed in large molds, with shrinkage during drying carefully considered. The result is a porous structure — lightweight, breathable, shock-absorbing, and offering a soft seating experience. The seat and legs are secured without screws or chemical adhesives, using square-section dowels joined in three directions for stability. The mudbrick-like surface provides both visual and tactile engagement.

More than a piece of furniture, Frova combines the wisdom of traditional materials with sustainability, proposing a new culture of making that values “slow production, sharing, and cherishing” over mass manufacturing. Offered not only as a finished product but also as DIY kits and molds, it allows users to directly participate in assembly, fostering educational and participatory experiences in homes, schools, and community spaces.

Expected to be instrumental in resource-limited settings, Frova can be reproduced at low cost and with low technology, promoting ecological practices and collective learning. Through this process, people craft furniture that embodies their own culture and stories, forming emotional bonds with materials and place.

Frova’s design philosophy leads to greater social inclusion and the restoration of autonomy, demonstrating a responsible design practice that builds community resilience and a sustainable future. As a participatory piece of furniture infused with cultural care and ecological sensitivity, Frova proposes a new way of living that connects regions and generations.