소반(小盤)의 기능적 특징을 활용한 사이드 테이블 디자인 연구

Abstract

Soban is one of the notable kitchen furniture representing Korean sedentary lifestyle and dining culture. This traditional table has a variety of uses ranging from dining, studying to serving refreshments to invited guests. Apart from other kinds of traditional furniture, this table served as a daily must-have widely adopted by people irrespective of social class. It has under- gone a shift to be developed into a unique form encompassing the functions of tray propping up dishes and table in the kitchen, reception room, and also main room. In addition, since its structure, materials, decoration, and patterns differ from regions and also they are characterized by distinctiveness, it is worthwhile to conduct study on this traditional table. There are a couple of functionalities in regard to Soban. First, it is usually low to ensure people can sit on the floor and have meals with ease without being seated on chairs. Second, as most of them were used separately due to the influence of Confucianism prevalent during the Joseon dynasty, it is small-sized and composed of light woods to ensure portability. Thus, it is practical to be used in narrow places or outdoor meetings. Since it is highly likely to be wet, it is coated with wa- ter-proof Ottchil, a Korean traditional lacquer technique. The present study aims to design a side table, Soban, still popular with people, adapted into a modern style. With a particular fo- cus on its functional characteristics, this study elicited design factors and applied the use and size suitable for the lifestyle and life environment for people living nowadays. In this way, it in- tends to showcase a new part of Soban representing the emotion of Korean-ness using modern techniques and materials.