Sunrise bench

"For tea enthusiasts, this design seeks to create a space to savor every moment of tea-drinking without the need for a bench made of nailed planks. It incorporates the Eastern traditional concept of 'heaven is round, earth is square' by blending square and circular elements, and employs the tenon-mortise structure found in architecture to symbolize both Eastern ideals of completeness and unity. This design can be broken down into three main components.

The seat's minimal cutting divides the natural wood into distinct lines, resembling the ridges of mountains and the planes of the sea, providing clear boundaries. The central area's empty space, running through the middle, represents the interplay between yin and yang, signifying boundaries, while allowing users to have adequate ventilation for added comfort when sitting.

On the left side, an off-center circular disc can serve as both a seat and a platform for tea sets. The circular shape, enclosed by dividing lines, symbolizes the sun rising above mountain ridges or emerging from the plane of the ocean, representing new beginnings and hope. People sitting side by side, leisurely enjoying tea and conversation, create a warm atmosphere for others.

Finally, the leg structure tapers gradually to achieve a visually light feel, and the beams connecting the seat and legs draw inspiration from the structural behavior of wooden architecture, providing clean support. This maintains a consistent structural feature throughout the bench while adding an architectural touch.

The bench is constructed through layers of tenon-mortise connections and reinforced naturally by its own weight, symbolizing the concept of unity and mutual support among people, which is the underlying concept of this Sunrise Bench design."