In 1998, we met Patrick Chia at SaloneSatellite in Milan. We were presenting products designed by
Tsutomu Kurokawa and Masamichi Katayama from H. Design Associates. In the same room, Patrick
was also presenting his prototype products, manually made on his own. He was paid much attention
there due to his outstanding and highly perfected designs. His products had already been placed on
the floors and bar counters of the Mondrian Hotel (designed by Philippe Starck) as main objects. Our
relationship with Patrick began then.
Every prototype of Patrick’s designs is made by himself. Based on a sketch, he carves styrofoam
and glass fiber with his own hands, as if making a sculpture. He shapes the prototype by feeling
the organic texture of the surface with his hands. The scene of Patrick smoothly working on the
prototype seems like a cross-over of the beautiful, organic presence of the object and his dynamic
movement of creation.
The works created in such a way do not have functionality as general products, and appear to
be sculptures. However, Patrick insists that these products possess his idea of functionality. The
object cannot be sat on or does not illuminate. It just exists there. This is his philosophy about
products, which comprises the foundation of the products of Patrick Chia. The presence of the
object forms Patrick’s unique space. People are not particularly aware of the object. Nevertheless,
a communication will be developed there due to the existence of the object. Some may think the
object is a beautiful sculpture, and some may imagine that it might be a functional light or acoustic
equipment. But everyone’s ideas are wrong and this could result in formation of a connection
between people, bringing a new relationship. Such an aspect of this object could be considered as
the functionality of a product.
It is a new concept of product functionality.
Then a doubt arises whether it is the same as sculptural works. However, this object can be
repeatedly produced using a mold, and is therefore different from art works. As a result, anyone can
casually possess this object in their own spaces.