Banchan Bowl

For large gatherings, households and restaurants typically array multiple gyojasang—low, folding tatami tables—in a single line, spreading banchan and dishes across them.

For large gatherings, households and restaurants typically array multiple gyojasang—low, folding tatami tables—in a single line, spreading dishes across them.

A CNC-machined mold was fabricated to withstand the pressure of the vacuum former, onto which a sheet of ABS plastic was formed.

A CNC-machined mold was fabricated to withstand the pressure of the vacuum former, onto which a sheet of ABS plastic was formed.

Limited table space

Limited table space

Diners constantly reach for and pass side dishes

Diners constantly reach for and pass side dishes

The shape and colors were inspired by the cheongja ceramic and dolsot stone bowl, the most common types of traditional dishware in Korea.

The shape and colors were inspired by the cheongja ceramic and dolsot stone bowl, the most common types of traditional dishware in Korea.

Although the abundance of the shiksa is its unique appeal, the sheer number of plates introduces frictions that can detract from the experience.

Although the abundance of the shiksa is its unique appeal, the sheer number of plates introduces frictions that can detract from the experience.

Piles of plates to wash

Piles of plates to wash

What makes it such a unique dining experience are the numerous components involved.


Dishes are typically carried back and forth on a large tray called jaengban which includes:

What makes it such a unique dining experience are the numerous components involved.


Dishes are typically carried back and forth on a large tray called jaengban which includes:

Banchan - Side dishes, commonly served in sets ranging from four to ten

Yori - Main dish cooked fresh for the meal

Jang - Dipping sauces

Bap + Guk - Individual servings of rice and soup

Stackable form

Stackable form

Table space is optimized with the sauce dishes nestled between the bowls, while the curved edges make it easy to place other dishes or Youri’s beside them.

Table space is optimized with the sauce dishes nestled between the bowls, while the curved edges make it easy to place other dishes or Youri’s beside them.

Later versions of the Youri would look into different materials and color like melamine or silver- and gold-finished stainless steel, drawing from common Korean dishware.

Later versions of the Youri would look into different materials and color like melamine or silver- and gold-finished stainless steel, drawing from common Korean dishware.

YOURI

A modern solution to a centuries-old tradition of Korean dining

Year

2024

Duration

4 Weeks

Location

Brooklyn, New York

Instructors

George Eistreich

IDEATION

DESIGN ON TRADITION

Inspired by the jaengban tray, the design explores a singular tableware piece that consolidates all the shared elements of the meal.

Echoing the floral patterns of dancheong, the traditional Korean art in palaces and temples, the structure optimizes space and movement for the diners.

FINAL FORM

RITUAL IN MOTION

In an increasingly fast-paced world where modern life and work can feel isolating, the Youri becomes a vessel to connect with family, friends, and colleagues through rich Korean etiquette.

The Youri reduces physical complexities, keeping attention on the meal and conversation, while preserving social ritual through the collective coordination of rotating dishes.

FINAL FORM

RITUAL IN MOTION

In an increasingly fast-paced world where modern life and work can feel isolating, the Youri becomes a vessel to connect with family, friends, and colleagues through rich Korean etiquette.

The Youri reduces physical complexities, keeping attention on the meal and conversation, while preserving social ritual through the collective coordination of rotating dishes.

PROCESS

SCALABLE DESIGN

Designed with mass production and stack-ability in mind, the food tray avoids undercuts to accommodate manufacturing processes such as compression molding and vacuum forming, with the latter serving as the final test of the prototype’s feasibility.


Turntables beneath the trays allow the two to rotate like gears, supporting additional main and side dishes for larger parties.

CONTEXT

SHIKSA IS READY

The shiksa (식사), a traditional Korean meal with over two thousand years of history, is a feast for the senses and a deeply communal experience.

CONTEXT

SHIKSA IS READY

The shiksa (식사), a traditional Korean meal with over two thousand years of history, is a feast for the senses and a deeply communal experience.

Year

Duration

Location

Instructors

2024

4 Weeks

Brooklyn, New York

George Eistreich

YOURI

A modern solution to a centuries-old tradition of Korean dining

IDEATION

DESIGN ON TRADITION

Inspired by the jaengban tray, the design explores a singular tableware piece that consolidates all the shared elements of the meal.

Echoing the floral patterns of dancheong, the traditional Korean art in palaces and temples, the structure optimizes space and movement for the diners.

PROCESS

SCALABLE DESIGN

Designed with mass production and stack-ability in mind, the food tray avoids undercuts to accommodate manufacturing processes such as compression molding and vacuum forming, with the latter serving as the final test of the prototype’s feasibility.


Turntables beneath the trays allow the two to rotate like gears, supporting additional main and side dishes for larger parties.

FINAL FORM

RITUAL IN MOTION

In an increasingly fast-paced world where modern life and work can feel isolating, the Youri becomes a vessel to connect with family, friends, and colleagues through rich Korean etiquette.

The Youri reduces physical complexities, keeping attention on the meal and conversation, while preserving social ritual through the collective coordination of rotating dishes.

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Entree Plate

Turntable

Sauce Dish

Entree Plate

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Turntable

Banchan Bowl

Sauce Dish