Across Taiwan, public railing systems often feature versatile ball-and-socket joints, and can be found everywhere: parks, sports centres, sidewalks, private institutions, even airports. They form a local yet diverse urban landscape. Within these seemingly ordinary railings, the spherical joint represents a brilliant invention. ‘Railing’, the first publication by designer yangshueiyuan, combines his street snapshots, 3D modelling, and a detailed record of his process, from initial mock-ups to manufacturing. For industrial designers and street wanderers alike, the book offers subtle revelations, inspiring us to find the essence of design in the natural, unrefined qualities of mundane things.

“Railing” is the first publication by designer yangshueiyuan, combining his street snapshots, 3D modeling, and a detailed record of his process from initial mockups to manufacturing.

This publishing project originates from his observations of streets. Across Taiwan, public railing systems often feature versatile ball-and-socket joints, which can be found in parks, sports centres, sidewalks, private institutions, and even airports, forming a local yet diverse urban landscape.

Within these seemingly ordinary railings, the spherical joint reveals itself as a brilliant invention. He found that this inconspicuous component is highly adaptable, enabling ironsmiths across Taiwan to create flexible, site-specific structures that seamlessly blend function and aesthetic.

“Railing” explores these unique metalworking techniques embedded in Taiwan’s street railings. The Railing Collection project pays homage to this ball joint, setting out to reinterpret and celebrating its ingenuity.

He closely examines this joint’s form and function, bringing these insights into furniture-making, and testing its experimental applications. The book includes a specially crafted “manual for the ironsmith” booklet and compiles a series of object renderings that embody his spontaneous reflections on design. The entire work is infused with moments of discovery.

For industrial designers and street wanderers alike, this book offers subtle revelations. With varied paper textures layered throughout, each page unveils the process behind these objects, inspiring readers to find the essence of design in the natural, unrefined qualities of mundane things.

yangshueiyuan is a product and furniture designer based in Taiwan. His goal is to extend the potential of everyday objects through a series of design explorations that delve into the industry and transform customary practices. This approach leads to a familiar yet fresh appearance that embodies rational manufacturing principles and poetic accent.