ENSO SERIES
THE CIRCLE OF SHARED MOMENTS
Designed by Atelier 2+
Whenever we design with PODIUM, it feels natural and joyful. The brand never begins with “this cannot be done.” Instead, every challenge becomes something we explore together. It is not only about production but also about every part of the team coming together. That openness gives us confidence to try ideas we have never attempted before, knowing that we will push boundaries side by side.
Why “ENSO”
The name comes from the Japanese word for circle. In Zen practice, an ENSO is drawn in a single, unbroken brushstroke, a gesture that reflects connection and flow. We felt it captured the spirit of this furniture series, the round table that gathers people equally, the curved sofa that draws you closer, the idea that dining is not just about eating but about sharing time and space.
ENSO SERIES became both a name and a reminder of what we wanted these pieces to express.
A Personal Need, A Shared Solution
The ENSO SERIES began with something close to us, our own way of living. We enjoy long meals, evenings that stretch late with friends, and a dining table that becomes the heart of gathering. PODIUM has long been recognized for its dining tables and chairs, which made it a natural starting point. What we added was something different, a round table and seating system that could bring another layer of togetherness into the NEORIENT collection.
Why Comfort Came First at the Dining Table
Dining is not only about eating. It is about time spent talking, laughing, or simply sitting together. We wanted to move away from the standard dining chair that asks you to sit upright and leave when the meal is done. Instead, we imagined a seat closer to a sofa, but still at the right height for dining. Balancing this comfort with proper dining ergonomics became our goal.
The Cultural Fusion
We carry our Eastern background into everything we design. The round table has always been part of Asian dining culture, a symbol of equality and togetherness. At the same time, we were inspired by Western traditions of upholstered seating, where softness and lounge-like ease change the rhythm of gathering.
Even in the details, like the bent-oak rear frame of the lounge chair, we looked back to the silhouette of the Torii gate, an icon of passage and openness, reinterpreted in a way that feels sculptural yet stable. ENSO SERIES is where these two sensibilities meet.
Prototyping & Refinement
Our first prototypes were heavy, too bulky. They had presence, but not balance. Step by step, we refined the proportions until the pieces felt lighter and more natural to live with. Upholstery became another test, too loose and the fabric sagged, too tight and it tore. Finding the right pattern and fit was part of the long process.
Hidden Engineering
Beneath the comfortable seating, there is precise work. The inner structure of every dining seating was developed with CNC technology, giving exact geometry before the foam was applied. This keeps the proportions faithful to our vision and avoids what we dislike most in seating, sinking or collapsing comfort. What you feel is comfort, but
what holds you is stability.
And beyond stability, the wood structure makes all the difference. By forming the wood frame itself, not only cutting the foam, we can preserve the smooth, flowing curves we envision for the entire set with greater accuracy and control. This construction ensures every line embraces the body as intended, keeping the curve true over time in a way that foam adjustment alone can never match.
The Details That Matter
We kept the legs quiet and clean-lined, not just for the look but to keep the space around them open, free from clutter so people can sit comfortably without feeling blocked.
For the upholstery, we introduced a two-tone palette. It was not decoration, but a way to give flexibility, warmth for some interiors, cooler tones for others. Small details, but ones that change how a piece lives in a space.
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