Häli Barthel X Suii Suiii Lab

材料與設計之間：一場關於物件生命的對話

Between Material and Design: A Dialogue on the Life of Objects

近期，美美實驗室迎來了一場充滿啟發的設計交流。此次拜訪由松山文創園區業務發展處國際事務組同仁牽線，邀請到目前於台灣進行研究的美國家具設計師沈海力Häli Barthel來訪交流。

沈海力成長於美國紐約州伍德斯托克，畢業於羅德島設計學院（RISD）家具設計系，並獲得「Charles + Ray Eames Award」。

她的創作長期關注材料與時間之間的關係，並以「材料來世（material afterlife）」為核心概念，透過重新運用被忽視或廢棄的材料，使其在新的脈絡中獲得新的價值與生命。她的作品如《Quill Chair》與《Meadow Divider》，即透過工業材料、回收材料與手工工藝的交織，探索材料的可能性與敘事。

這樣的研究方向，也與美美實驗室長期投入的材質研究不謀而合。

我們向海力分享了品牌的設計理念、產品開發過程，以及我們對金屬材料質感與製程的持續探索。從材質的表面紋理、工藝的可能性，到設計與空間之間的關係，彼此之間產生了許多有趣而深入的討論。

海力也分享了她在創作過程中面對的挑戰與思考，包括如何在設計理想與現實條件之間找到平衡，以及如何透過實驗與試錯，讓材料逐漸展現新的表情。這樣的交流，也讓我們更加確認：無論設計的形式如何改變，真正推動創作前進的，始終是對材料、物件與生活的好奇與熱情。 

交流的最後，我們也向海力介紹了美美實驗室目前正在籌備的新作品。她真誠而熱情的回饋與鼓勵，為這段創作旅程增添了新的能量。

設計的道路往往漫長而曲折，但正因為有這樣的相遇與交流，不同文化與觀點之間得以產生對話，也讓設計這件事情持續充滿新的可能。

Recently, Suii Suii Lab had the pleasure of hosting an inspiring design exchange. The visit was facilitated by the International Affairs team of Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, bringing us the opportunity to welcome American furniture designer Häli Barthel, who is currently conducting research in Taiwan.

Häli grew up in Woodstock, New York, and graduated from the Furniture Design program at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where she received the Charles + Ray Eames Award. Her work explores the relationship between materials and time, centering on the concept of the “material afterlife.” By reusing overlooked or discarded materials, she repositions them within new contexts where they can gain renewed value and meaning. Works such as Quill Chair and Meadow Divider demonstrate this approach through the interplay of industrial materials, reclaimed elements, and craft—expanding both the possibilities and narratives of materials.

This line of inquiry strongly resonates with Suii Suii Lab’s long-term focus on material exploration. During the visit, we shared our design philosophy, product development process, and ongoing investigations into metal textures and fabrication techniques. From surface qualities and production possibilities to the relationship between objects and spatial environments, the conversation unfolded into a series of engaging and in-depth discussions.

Häli also spoke about the challenges and reflections within her creative process—how to navigate between design ideals and practical constraints, and how experimentation and iteration allow materials to gradually reveal new expressions. These exchanges reaffirmed a shared understanding: regardless of form or style, what truly drives design forward is a deep curiosity about materials, objects, and everyday life.

Toward the end of the visit, we introduced several new works currently in development at Suii Suii Lab. Häli’s sincere feedback and generous encouragement brought renewed energy to our ongoing creative journey.

The path of design is often long and winding. Yet it is through encounters like this that different cultures and perspectives come into dialogue—reminding us that design continues to be an open field of exploration and possibility.