Project Overview
A chess set that reimagines the game through the power of silhouettes. The pieces, reduced to their essential forms, transform their own shadows into new icons.
Timeframe
2025 | The execution lasted one month in total.
My responsibilities
I managed the project completely independently.
What I Learned
I experimented a lot with rendering techniques and texture development to achieve a realistic look and a consistent visual direction across all the renders.
Many chess boards have a really nice aesthetic, but they "stink" of designers and not enough like actual chess boards…
Most of them are designed to look good on a coffee table, not to be played on. I wanted to create something very readable for players during the games and at the same time very minimal.
How am I even supposed to play a game with these pieces???
Main Inspirations
The whole project started with the idea of giving space to the shadow of a subject, making it the subject itself. We tend to think of shadows as something flat. So I wanted to bring that same idea into my project, taking inspiration from flat ceramic sculptures.
Sketches & Prototypes
After the first sketches and silhouette research, I moved on to understanding the three-dimensionality of the object. Even though the pieces were initially meant to be completely flat with a distinctive base, through prototyping and testing I refined a shape that could have a much smoother and more ergonomic transition.
First Product: The Stool
Chessboard Base
The base will be made in concrete with a grainy texture, and the chessboard illustration will be printed with a "sharpie drawing" effect, intentionally a little rough.
Pieces Shape & Size
All the pieces share the same circular base, from which they gradually become thinner, giving them both stability and a sense of lightness. The pieces also follow the size scale required by standard chess rules, so they feel visually satisfying even when arranged on the board.
Pieces Materials
The pieces will be made in cast aluminum, giving them a great visible grain and a nice cold feeling to the touch. The bottom of each piece will have a burgundy red felt base, creating contrast with the color of the pieces.
Several magazines and social pages appreciated the work, featuring it in their design communities.
Thank you for taking the time to explore this project!
