
Pieces by Core is a creative collective where design architects, builders, art gallerists, and curators converge to shape boutique design experiences and dynamic events. Initiated by Chun Hooi TAN of Core Design Workshop, the collective was formed in collaboration with Sinar Sintetik, Archgreen, and Core Design Gallery. Pieces by Core initiates projects that emphasise cross-industry collaborations, bringing together diverse expertise to push the boundaries of functional design, art, and architecture.
The collective is committed to fostering innovative design practices that celebrate the intersection of creativity and craftsmanship, showcasing works that transcend the ordinary and evoke a deeper appreciation for artistry in everyday objects. Through its projects and exhibitions, Pieces by Core explores new dialogues in both design and art while enriching Malaysia’s cultural landscape.
The Inception
The inception of the Wu-Jian ’C collection is deeply rooted in the architectural narrative of the Introverse House, a project that garnered international acclaim for its bold redefinition of living spaces and minimalist design. Birthed during the pandemic by the same team, the architect Chun Hooi TAN, and the builder Seong CHIN, Wu-Jian ’C is an effort to take architecture beyond the boundaries of a house and into the everyday lives of people.After the success of Introverse House, the team wanted to create something accessible yet equally profound, an object that encapsulated the spirit of the architecture but could be owned by many. Chun set out to dissect the Introverse House’s architecture, breaking it down into smaller, tangible components. The result? Wu-Jian ’C, a collection of designer chairs that merges the same minimalist philosophy with refined craftsmanship.
Wu-Jian ’C Designer Chairs
Wu-Jian ’C embodies a refined exploration of form and materiality, merging sculptural art with functional design in an elegantly minimalist expression. The collection’s essence lies in the balance of raw and refined elements, realised through the interplay of polished concrete and bronze-plated stainless steel. The chair challenges perceptions of weight and lightness, presenting a form that is both grounded and seemingly suspended.
The design’s focal point is a sculpted concrete cube, cast as a single, seamless piece without any joints. This uninterrupted form enhances the purity and continuity of the chair’s aesthetic, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into each creation. The concrete mass appears to hover above the ground, subtly elevated by a sleek stainless steel frame that gives the illusion of lightness despite the material’s substantial weight. The chamfered edges of the concrete introduce visual softness, allowing light to glide across the surface, accentuating the elegant detailing of the piece.
The bronze-plated stainless steel frame extends beyond its role as a support structure. It gracefully wraps around the concrete base and extends upwards to form the chair’s handles, achieving this without ever making direct contact with the concrete cube. This thoughtful design detail not only enhances the chair’s visual elegance but also ensures that the form remains uninterrupted, preserving the clean lines and sculptural integrity of the piece. The floating effect of the concrete, combined with the seamlessly integrated frame, invites viewers to admire the harmony of the design from every angle.
The Wu-Jian ’C collection consists of four variations: ‘Jing’, ‘Wei’, ‘Shan’, and ‘Ming’. While all variations feature the same polished concrete seat, each is differentiated by the design of its metal frame, inspired by traditional East Asian chairs. This allows each piece to serve different functions while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. These names not only connect the collection to ancient oriental philosophies but also embody the interplay of form and function, modern industrial materials, and cultural heritage.Wu-Jian, meaning ‘pieces’ in Chinese, symbolises the breaking down of architectural elements into objects that can be appreciated on a smaller scale, yet still carry the weight of the original design intent. Minimalist in appearance yet complex in its design philosophy, each chair reflects the deep connection between architecture and furniture, showing that even the simplest forms can carry profound meaning.