blocks lamps
Stockholm Furniture Fair 2025
The series "Blocks" by Rio Chen explores the symbolism of cubes and boxes as reflections of life's transient nature and the value of time. Inspired by constant movement and relocation between Taiwan, Chicago, and New York, the work delves into the act of packing, shifting, and reassessing belongings—highlighting the physical and emotional weight of these 'blocks' in our lives.
The centerpiece of this collection is a series of table lamps, resembling a city block when assembled. The structured forms, created with a combination of wood bases and textured surfaces, evoke urban architecture and pixelated grids, embodying the modular essence of blocks. These designs suggest both stability and fluidity, as though each piece captures a frozen moment of assembly or transition.
Accompanying the lamps is a series of hand-printed artworks, created using wooden blocks and mulberry paper. The grain textures transferred through acrylic paint create a tactile connection to time's passage, merging the natural patterns of wood with human-made impressions. Together, these works present an object-oriented narrative that contemplates how blocks—whether as obstacles, pixels, or cherished possessions—shape our perception of value, place, and memory within the continuum of time.
beauty within mirror
Alcova Miami - INVENTO SPIRIT 2024
Beauty Within is a poetic exploration of function and form. A red fast-food basket, reimagined as a flower head, cradles a polished mirror at its center, inviting moments of self-reflection. Beauty Within celebrates the unexpected harmony between mundane objects and profound ideas, turning a simple act of utility into a playful experience.
Bagel Sandwich
NYC x DESIGN x Souvenir 2024
As an iconic staple of NYC Delis, bagels hold a special place in New Yorkers diet. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the classic bacon, egg, and cheese (BEC), a connoisseur of bougie smoked salmon, or simply enjoy it with cream cheese, the versatility of bagels offers endless combinations to satisfy every palate.
The Bagel Bookend brings the ultimate happiness of enjoying a bagel right into your home. Let your selection of books enhance the playful experience of enjoying a taste of New York City with every bite.
TOFF Exchange Station
Furnishing Utopia ‘Public Access’ 2024
TOFF is inspired by the department store (百貨公司 BaiHuo GongSi), providing a space for locals to exchange goods. Made with found objects and construction wood columns, TOFF offers a systematic design language for creators to adjust the measurements according to their needs. The installation in Taichung, Taiwan will feature spaces for recycled plastic bags, rubber bands, tissue papers, hangers, and a LED outdoor lamp. TOFF is currently working as an experiment of public leisure interactive objects in collaboration with the district administration.
TOFF Exchange Station is a part of Furnishing Utopia: PUBLIC ACCESS two-part exhibition @NYCXDESIGN 2023
See the TOFF Design Instruction here.
TOFF Exchange Station is located in Taichung, Taiwan
24°09'19.5"N 120°37'47.1"E
TOFF 公眾交流裝置為 Furnishing Utopia: PUBLIC ACCESS 於2023年紐約設計週 展出。
TOFF是由百貨公司的意向所設計的,期許能成為社區居民互動的所在。
請於此參考 TOFF 裝置設計理念與設計圖。 (圖面後段有中文版本)
感謝黎明里辦公室提供場地完成計畫。
The Movement of Diplomacy
for the workshop ‘What is the Shape of Innovation?’
by Altimeter Group with The Innovation Cell within
the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) 2022
‘The Movement of Diplomacy’ is made for the workshop by Altimeter Studio at the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), titled ‘What is the Shape of Innovation?’
Two sides of a story; two sides of the world
One society; one world.
Events and activities in local and regional communities often end up affecting the larger environment. The movement of thoughts and strategies is a linear structure tying us together; nations and nations; entities and entities.
We share the same responsibility to take care of challenges happening in every corner of the world, not because we live on the same planet, but because we are one.
The objects in between the two ends represent communication, challenges, decisions, and responsibilities moving from one end to the other.
Project Website: WHAT IS THE SHAPE OF INNOVATION?
UN DPPA Website: Futuring Peace
Stadium Series
2022
From Ancient Rome to Super Bowl, stadiums have always been the place where the public gathers together under one shared goal: unity. By bringing the essence of architecture to objects with angle-cut edges and round exteriors, this stadium inside homes emphasizes that two scales overlap and integrate the definition of functionality.
Stadium Series is inspired by my theme park project "The Last Tomorrowland (2021)" and has a unique geometric form that holds items. The precise dimensions reflect the architectural style of Rio’s design.
Check out The Last Tomorrowland here.