Zhang Zhoujie Metalwork

Zhang Zhoujie credits the creative possibilities of the computer with the acclaimed designs of his ultra-modern metal furniture. Chairs, side tables and decorative pieces are made with digital design technology and production methods like 3D printing. 

Born in Ningbo, China, Zhang earned a degree in industrial design from the China Academy of Art before moving to London for a Master of Arts in industrial design from Central Saint Martins. After his studies, Zhang returned to China and founded his design studio, Zhang Zhoujie Digital Lab, in Shanghai in 2010. There he pioneered a new method of digital production.

Zhang begins with software algorithms. “The computer is the author,” he explained to Surface magazine. “I am the curator.” After selecting a design from the computer’s output, he cuts, welds and polishes metal for the piece. Through this approach, each item is unique.

The first significant result of this process was the Triangulation Chair. Released in 2014, the futuristic design garnered attention for its endless variations. Zhang exhibited the chair at Design Shanghai 2018, where 100 versions were installed in a courtyard. Gallery ALL cofounder Yu Wang told Introspective magazine why the display was so momentous: “Nobody had seen this much digitally created design in one place before.”

Zhang has participated in exhibitions worldwide, including 100% Design in London. Fast Company named him one of the 100 Most Creative People in Business in China in 2014 and he was included on the 2021 Forbes China's Most Valuable Smart Designer list.

On 1stDibs, find Zhang Zhoujie seating, tables, wall decorations and more.