An Idea Centered on Flow

The "LEXUS DESIGN AWARD" garners attention from artists both domestically and internationally. Hitomi Igarashi, a winner from the first edition, presented a novel proposal: porcelain made using paper molds.


The "LEXUS DESIGN AWARD" is a design competition for aspiring young creators worldwide, advocating for the creation of "DESIGN" that builds a richer society. The second call for entries began on August 1. What kind of award is it? Through an interview with Hitomi Igarashi, a winner from the first edition, let's explore its intent.

Hitomi Igarashi's winning work, "Making Porcelain with an ORIGAMI"

The theme for the first edition was "Motion." Under this theme, described by Lexus as "a word and concept directly linked to our daily lives," applications were received from creators across all genres. The judging criteria were explained as "deep understanding and unique interpretation of "DESIGN" as conceived by Lexus" and "originality in approach and solution to the challenge."


Hitomi Igarashi's winning work was "Making Porcelain with an ORIGAMI." At the time of application, Igarashi was enrolled in the Product Design Department at Tama Art University. Under this theme, she proposed the innovative idea of firing porcelain using paper molds.


Igarashi's concept—that using paper allows for the creation of various shapes and achieves a thinness not possible with conventional methods—was highly praised by Lexus, who stated, "This technique will likely bring new possibilities to porcelain production."

Proposing a Production Process

──Your work is striking because, at first glance, it looks like real origami, made of paper, but it's actually porcelain.


“If you hold it, you'll understand, but it can be made as thin as paper. We create it by pouring a raw material called slip—a mixture of clay, water glass, and water—into a mold made by folding paper, and then firing it. This allows for the expression of folds and fine wrinkles, like those found in paper.”

──What significance do you find in creating porcelain that appears to be paper?


“I wasn't trying to create an art piece. I'm a science-oriented person, so I don't quite know how to approach things that are judged subjectively as beautiful or not. I'm not good with emotional evaluations like 'I liked it yesterday, but I dislike it today.' What I studied in university was the process by which things come into being. This project, too, is a proposal for a production process. Not only can the cost of molds be reduced, but I also believe this technique could be applied to create building materials with excellent heat retention.”


──When did you start focusing on porcelain?

“In the Product Design major, we cover cars and home appliances, but initially, I was more interested in traditional Japanese crafts like pottery—products that are beautiful precisely because of the imperfections and variations that come from being handmade.


However, the world of crafts is currently in decline, with issues like a lack of successors. While some items gain attention from artists and become products, there are few stories of them achieving a lasting revival.”

The Charm of Handcrafted Imperfections and Individual Variations

──I worry that ceramics might disappear if things continue like this...


“I love ceramics, so I was thinking about how to preserve them for the future, even if it meant finding a different form. Industrial products are typically made to strict specifications, but perhaps new products can emerge by incorporating the charm of handcrafted imperfections and individual variations found in crafts. That's how this project began. Furthermore, as I discussed with my mentor for the "LEXUS DESIGN AWARD," architect Junya Ishigami, my vision became clearer.”

──The finish is intriguing, something you can't fully grasp just by looking at images of the work.


“That's the challenge with my work. If you only see the output, it's difficult to convey that it's based on a proposal for a production cycle system. If you were to hold it, you might appreciate the interesting contrast of appearing like origami at first glance, yet being made of porcelain. However, that's not the essence. The potential lies in the paper molds that enable the creation of thin, delicate porcelain shapes. It's my deep interest in how this can lead to products that benefit society that truly matters.”


──Could this technology be used in Lexus vehicles?


“I wonder about that (laughs). I'm not a specialized engineer, so I'm not sure if porcelain is suitable for cars. It might be interesting for its texture, but there could be safety challenges, such as with collisions. However, it might be fascinating to find new automotive elements that match porcelain's superior properties, rather than just its appearance as a material. Lexus gave me a ride in one of their cars when I exhibited this work at Milan Design Week 2013 in Italy in April 2013. I was very impressed by the silence, with no engine noise—that's the essence of a luxury car today.”

IGARASHI Hitomi

Graduated from Tama Art University, Faculty of Art and Design, Department of Product Design, in 2013.

"Hitomi Igarashi Works"

http://hitomiigarashi.wix.com/hitomi-igarashi

Holding Workshops for Creators

Recruiting Participants for "LEXUS DESIGN AWARD 2014 - DESIGNER'S COLLEGE"


A workshop event called "DESIGNER'S COLLEGE" will be held at "INTERSECT BY LEXUS," a new information hub for Lexus in Aoyama, Tokyo. Through an orientation for the second "LEXUS DESIGN AWARD" theme, "CURIOSITY," participants will discuss design. Featuring author Keichiro Hirano and Ars Electronica Artistic Director Gerfried Stocker as guests, the event will explore various themes inherent in design through physical experiences and participant dialogues.


Date: Sunday, September 29, 2013

Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Reception opens at 9:30 AM)

Venue: INTERSECT BY LEXUS, 2F

4-21-26 Minami-Aoyama, RUELLES A-WING, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Speakers: Gerfried Stocker (Ars Electronica Artistic Director)

Keichiro Hirano (Novelist)

Content: Introduction to LEXUS DESIGN AWARD

Talk Session

Lunch (including discussion)

Workshop, etc.

Capacity: 25 participants

How to Apply: Register via the URL below

http://lexus.jp/brand/amazing_in_motion/designers_college/2013/?adid=ag177.openers&padid=ag177.openers


"LEXUS DESIGN AWARD 2014" Official Website

http://www.lexus-int.com/jp/design/lda.html