Mother’s Embrace

After witnessing the grief of a close friend who lost his mother in an accident, I was moved to create a tranquil space, which resulted in “Mother’s Embrace.” This design embodies solace and serenity. Its curves, reminiscent of the feminine body, along with the softness of material, convey to users the safety and intimacy of lying in one’s mother’s arms, offering a temporary respite from the reality they cannot bear.

Measuring 42.2” x 35.3” x 51.0”, “Mother’s Embrace” is fabricated with pure cotton Italian velvet, a brass support tube, stainless steel legs, cotton batting, foam, dacron, and plywood. Featuring a unique design with a seat and two backs—one on the side and one at the rear—the wood frame of each component was crafted using CNC techniques. Following this, the three frames are upholstered, leaving the rear open until all three components are assembled from the inside using hardware. Finally, the stainless steel legs are then installed to complete the structure.

A notable challenge in the construction process was creating the two breast-shaped cushions on the backs. After several tests, I achieved the desired curves by layering multiple 1/2-inch foam sections and then covering the layers with thick dacron.

• Project Images:
  Title: 1
  Description: Photographer: Siyun Xue
  Title: 2
  Description: Mother's Embrace Plans
  Title: 3
  Description: Photographer: Siyun Xue
  Title: 4
  Description: Photographer: Siyun Xue Model: Ziyu Wang
  Title: 5
  Description: Photographer: Siyun Xue Model: Ziyu Wang
  Title: 6
  Description: Photographer: Siyun Xue Model: Ziyu Wang
  Title: 7
  Description: Photographer: Siyun Xue
  Title: 8
  Description: Photographer: Siyun Xue
  Title: 9
  Description: Potential Color Schemes
• Creators: Siyun Xue
• Company: University of Iowa

Designers/Architects

Siyun Xue

Company

University of Iowa