Design Innovation in the Sundanese “Jojodog” Work Chair as Contemporary Furniture for Modern Living

Abstract

In the ever-changing development of the times, traditions are often confronted with the currents of modernity, where cultural heritage is often faded and eroded by the demands of the ever-evolving modern lifestyle. A concrete example of this issue can be found in the "Jojodog" work chair, a typical Sundanese chair that is a cultural root in the kitchen tradition of the Sundanese people. The "Jojodog" work chair is a simple chair with a height of only about 25 cm without the construction of a backrest and arm supports. which has become an icon in the daily life of the Sundanese people. These chairs are often used to sit or squat in front of the stove in cooking activities that create a combination of tradition and function. However, drastic changes in activities and lifestyles in modern residential spaces have eliminated the existence of the "Jojodog" work chair and the cultural values attached to the chair. This research tries to answer a relevant question, namely "How can the design innovation of Sundanese "Jojodog" work chairs as contemporary furniture maintains and integrate traditional elements in modern life?" This research aims to maintain Sundanese culture by presenting traditional elements, such as "Peacock Dance" in the "Jojodog" chair design innovation which focuses on increasing the flexibility of the function of the "Jojodog" work chair, so that it can meet the needs of user activities in modern residential spaces. To reduce the gap between traditionality and modernity, this research uses the "Applied Research" method and the "Design Thinking" approach to find creative and innovative solutions in maintaining the essence of Sundanese culture in the context of modern life. It is hoped that the results of this research can provide and expand insights on how to respect and maintain cultural heritage, especially in the field of interior design or furniture in an era that continues to change.

Keywords: : Jojodog, furniture, Sundanese culture, traditional kitchens, modern living spaces

DOI: 10.7176/ADS/114-04

Publication date: August 30th 2025