From spray foam to solid Bronze and Porcelain, the Swell Vase by designers Chen Chen & Kai Williams transcends beyond process and materials — memorializing an innovative production process and concept into an object that is both precious and heirloom.
Since they began in 2011, Chen Chen & Kai Williams have based their practice on exploring material properties and forms that happen naturally when design and chance are given equal opportunity in the process. This experimental way of working gives each piece they create nuances and individualities not found in mass-produced items.
The original Swell vases are formed by two materials fighting each other — the urethane foam wants to expand but is restricted by the spandex net giving the vase its form. To create the KWAMBIO x Chen Chen & Kai Williams limited edition, we have used cutting edge technology to scan the original vase, rendered it in 3D and printed it in porcelain and bronze.
Chen Chen & Kai Williams is a design studio based in New York and works in furniture, products, and materials. It was first started in 2011, their work has been featured at Philips de Pury, Cooper-Hewitt Design Museum, Museum of Art and Design, Wright, Gagosian Store, Moss, Matter, The Future Perfect, Design Days Dubai, and the Venice Architecture Biennale.
Check them out on KWAMBIO as well as other stunning made on-demand designer products.
