Face without Face

red dot
red dot award: design concept 2007

design:

Cha Il Gu

By relocating an analog clock’s point of operation, which is traditionally located at its centre, Face Without Face’s empty “face” is able to adapt to the user’s preference and surroundings.

The designs of traditional clocks, as well as their relationships to space, are limited by the way they are operated. The operating mechanism is usually located at the centre of the clock, which rotates the hands around a central axis. By rearranging the operating mechanism so that it is located around the clock face, the centre of the clock can be “free” to take on new meanings.

Face Without Face is designed with the central portion of its clock face empty. The user is, thus, able to give new use values and meanings to the clock, and allow it to have a direct relationship with the surroundings. Users are able to customise the clock by choosing its location, and items such as such as clouds, flowers and wind to “fill” it.

The hour “hand” is a point that moves around the perimeter of the clock, while the minute hand resembles the traditional hand of the clock, and moves around the central axis. This allows an easy reading of the time. The hour hand is only indicated on the front of the clock, which enables the user tell between the clock’s front and back, and thus, help the user to read the time correctly.