The buzz 
Conceptual furniture – like a galvanised-steel, three-metre tall chair (right) designed for the daydreamer – has enjoyed international acclaim. 

The brainsJason Ong, 37, who keeps his feet on the ground with a part-time lecturing gig at NAFA, but has his head in the clouds when designing furniture as a ‘form of communication rather than a product’. After stints as a photographer’s assistant, merchandiser and interior designer, a viewing of a documentary film on German industrial designer Richard Sapper 15 years ago turned him on to this new profession.

The bonus 
Ong won the 2000 Grand Prix Award in Nagoya, Japan, at the International Design Competition for ‘The Chair For Daydreamers’; a wire-framed umpire’s chair, but high enough to reach clouds (presumably painted on a ceiling). ‘I don’t rely much on instantaneous inspirations, as those rarely strike,’ he says. Ideas come from research and constant exposure. Having accumulated all those, I let my latent thoughts drift before I make certain connections.’ 

The breakthrough 
A recent collaboration with the T’ang Quartet and the Scottish Theatre Cryptic led Tan to explore ‘how furniture works with lighting and how a quartet perform differently’. The result: a stunning, evocative set design, where backdrops were created for each musician, perforated for effect and fi nished with a green-yellow coating. 

Where to get it 
Check out www.jienshu.com.