Design
The 36.5°C Series by X-ZOO are Sculptural Pieces of Art Furniture that Bring Warmth into Your Life and Your Spaces

Inspired by the body temperature of thermostatic animals, be enveloped by the embrace of these chairs

X-ZOO was founded in 2022 by Margie Zhao and Xinru Wei, and it is a design studio established to produce cross-disciplinary work that integrates architecture, experimental design with emotional sensibility. Their design philosophy is to provide work with "freedom of growth". Pieces "happen" before its function is defined, allowing users to complete the design through the process of interaction. Through boundless imagination, they endow objects with life and characteristic, bringing excitement and vitality into daily living in addition to contemporary functionality.

X-ZOO’s 36.5°C series is a stellar example of their visionary creativity. Inspired by the body temperature of thermostatic animals, 36.5°C brings you into their embrace. It awaits to bring warmth into your life. Like the soft ground of morning spring or a puppy cuddle through the deepest winter nights. 36.5°C is here to help one rediscover the joy of being with friends and family. This sculptural piece of art blends uplifting collectible with everyday function, transforming your ordinary into extraordinary moments of life.

Margie Zhao and Xinru Wei

The second chapter of 36.5°C begins with healing colors and embracing form. It uplifts the space to one filled with affection and comfort - the newly launched Medium model is prepared to be flipped and used on either side dealing with different scenarios. Its soft and furry touch comes to life like a cube sugar at home, resting, looking forward to sharing a sweet moment with you.

The Small series on the other hand, takes on an otherworldly wave-like form. Designed just right to be cuddled and played with in all directions. Its hand-stitched fleecy fur comes in vibrant desert hues, each infused with individual characteristics. These are objects to be cherished, like your pet, your companion that is sharing every moment with you. The 36.5°C Large series has been designed with a brilliant rule-breaking concept, re-imagining the definition of a chair. The loop-like form twists and turns into a structure that allows comfort and functionality in every position. Dressed with vibrant dessert hue and supported with cantilevering mechanism, the chair is here for you to interact and play with, like a companion. 36.5°C is a collection created with inventive design, combining qualities of durability, comfort and creativity. Applying advanced one-step metal forging technology, the sculpture-like cantilever structure pushes traditional material to its limits creating hug-like comfort.

X-ZOO's works have been presented at ART 021, Gallery-Nothing Happened, WeSpace Gallery, Soul Art, Lighthouse 91, Langyuan Station, Sea World Culture and Arts Center and other exhibition sites, professional galleries and art centers. Their works are not only popular online, but also with famous collectors, actors and elites from different fields. This year, the 36.5°C Series and other works were presented at international creative design exhibitions, including the WantedDesign Manhattan in New York (May 21-23) and Design Shanghai (June 8-11), bringing viewers a sensory and emotional journey.

Words: Emily Leung & Nikey Cheng
Published on November 23, 2023