Fairyland of Misty Mountain
Product Design
Project Name
Fairyland of Misty Mountain
Year
2013
This project encapsulates an imaginative concept design of a humidifier, deeply rooted in ancient Chinese legends and inspired by the mesmerising artistry of mediascapes, particularly bonsai landscapes. The purpose is to transport the resplendent beauty of nature directly onto your desk, transforming your workspace into a calming oasis.
Type
Product Design
Once activated, the humidifier not only serves its purpose of controlling humidity levels, but also conjures an ethereal visual spectacle. Mist gently congregates at the edge before cascading down gracefully, creating an evocative scenery reminiscent of ancient Chinese landscapes, stirring the onlooker's senses with its poetic ambience.
The image below presents a depiction of Sumeru or Mount Meru. This mountain holds immense significance in both Hinduism and Buddhism, as it's conceived as the very axis mundi, or centre of all physical, metaphysical, and spiritual universes. Revered as sacred, the mountain is often depicted as a symbol of spiritual enlightenment and ascension, thereby infusing a rich layer of philosophical meaning into the design of the humidifier.
The project also takes inspiration from the 'Dong Tian' concept, a fascinating notion found within Chinese Taoist mythology. 'Dong Tian' is translated literally to 'grotto-heavens', which, in its simplest interpretation, signifies pocket universes. These are the celestial abodes inhabited by immortals who govern the world. In these unique domains, time flows at its own rhythm, often different from the norm.
These pocket universes are envisioned as containing breathtaking landscapes and majestic palaces, creating a realm that is nothing short of a paradise. However, even such celestial domains aren't without boundaries, leading to the striking spectacle of water and mists cascading off the edges, a visual element that the humidifier mimics with its design.
Overall, the concept design for this humidifier merges practical functionality with an exquisite sense of aesthetics, heavily inspired by ancient Chinese myths and philosophies. Its design aims to evoke tranquillity and the grandeur of nature, all within the comforting boundaries of your personal space. It aspires to be more than a device—it serves as a piece of art that adds a touch of sublime beauty and serenity to your everyday surroundings.