The Zen of Design: The Art of Creating Timeless Memories
Twenty-six years ago, around this time, we were gathered around the dining table in Columbus, Ohio, discussing SonicRim’s core beliefs and value proposition with our dear friend and designer, Peter Kwok Chan, who was set to design our identity. The word “resonance” kept resurfacing in our conversation. Building upon that concept, we proposed that SonicRim would be a resonant edge — an edge because that’s where the future manifests, and resonance is how we embrace change in its entirety. This is how the name SonicRim, or resonant edge, came to be.
A few days later, Peter rejoined our conversation. He placed a small rock on the table and said, “I picked up this rock from an exhibition. As I did, I realized that collecting rocks has deep psychological, social, and cultural underpinnings, foundational to human instinct. It preserves memories in a multi-sensory way.” Peter designed a symbol of resonance and engraved it in the rock, and that’s how the SonicRim rock was born — a genuine reflection of Peter’s Zen approach to designing. We created 500 rocks and gave them to friends and clients in the design industry. Today I am left with just one but every time I hold it, it brings back various visceral memories of the past 26 years.
Likewise the other 499 rocks are sitting somewhere around the world keeping the legacy of SonicRim alive in collective memory of our friends.
Fast forward twenty five years: Peter and I have been engaged in deep conversations for the last one year about my book “Being & Belonging: A Journey of Curiosity and Imagination”. He insisted that having been a part of this journey he would recommend that we must print a classic edition in limited quantities in addition to the book to be mass produced on Amazon. I was reminded of our conversation about the rock. To Peter my book is not just a text to be read but an artifact of the ritual diving in the wisdom gained from practicing and reflecting on participatory design and co-creation, on humanity and the universe, about the sense of being and belonging.
When I received the first copy of the classic edition, my memory of holding the rock in my hand was revived- indeed a Deja Vu moment.
The classic edition of “Being & Belonging” embodies Peter’s characteristic Zen approach to design, demonstrated through its carefully selected, high-quality paper, elegantly fabric-finished hardbound cover, and exquisite shiny silver printing. The gentle and meditative layout further reflects Peter’s philosophy of harmonious design, making this limited edition masterpiece a testament to his belief in creating timeless memories by infusing design with deep meaning and purpose. The end result is a beautifully crafted book that not only shares profound wisdom within its pages but also serves as a tactile reminder of the importance of intention and mindfulness in design.
I plan to print only a small number of these classic editions with the hope that each copy will evoke a Zen-like memory of the collective curiosities and imaginations expressed within its pages. As I retire for the night, I have my first printed copy placed beside my pillow, and I find myself reflecting on all the everyday individuals who have shared their stories and insights in the book. Together, we experienced a range of sensations and emotions during this remarkable journey.
