GỖ MÂY
My Quyen Ong
What is GỖ MÂY
Gỗ Mây pays homage to two of the most common materials in the history of Vietnamese households: wood and rattan
Wood in Vietnamese is Gỗ
Rattan in Vietnamese is Mây
Blending natural elements with deep-rooted craftsmanship, Gỗ Mây is designed to honour tradition while seamlessly integrating into modern spaces.
Where It All Began
The concept behind this project originated from a realization: many people I spoke with had little understanding of Vietnamese culture, or even what our art truly looked like. That sense of unfamiliarity resonated with me and sparked a deeper exploration of my cultural roots.
Insights & Problems
To validate my observation, I conducted a survey with 74 participants. The results confirmed a clear gap – many respondents expressed limited knowledge or exposure to Vietnamese culture and art.
62%
Respondents associated Vietnamese culture primarily with food.
22%
Respondents associated Vietnamese culture primarily with landscape.
16%
Respondents were entirely unfamiliar with Vietnamese culture.
This insight inspired me to create a piece that sparks curiosity and invites questions, opening the door to conversations about Vietnamese culture and history.
Model
For this piece, I envision a bench designed for two, intended for public spaces, that encourages conversation and connection. It will blend contemporary design with the warmth and intricate beauty of Vietnamese cultural motifs.
Fabrication
Jointing, Planing, Ripping, Crosscutting, Cutting/Shaping, Joinery, Drilling, Carving, Weaving, Gluing, Clamping, Sanding, Varnishing
Material & Function
The structure is kept simple and light in colour, crafted from maple to reflect the clean, minimal aesthetic of contemporary furniture.
To integrate traditional Vietnamese elements into the bench, I incorporated symbolic motifs into the central sliding panel, making it the focal point that both captures and reflects cultural heritage.
Gỗ Mây incorporates traditional Vietnamese carvings in its sliding central panels, thoughtfully designed to foster a deeper connection with cultural heritage through conversation.
This bench is more than just a place to sit—it’s a statement piece designed to capture attention. Its presence sparks curiosity and encourages dialogue, creating space for meaningful conversations about Vietnamese culture, history, and craftsmanship.
