Furniture Combining Traditional and Industrial Materials

ICHIRO aims to redefine the very concept of furniture and create objects that serve as tools for living, proposing a new relationship between space, people, and objects. They are dedicated to crafting products that evoke a future where individuals can live authentically.

In collaboration with architect Jo Nagasaka, they focused on the previously unarticulated relationship between furniture and space. The "TAKE KAGO" series, which combines traditional and industrial materials to create unique functionalities for each application, and the "SHIBARI" series, which expresses forms born from the act of binding, were unveiled. These concept models aim to expand beyond existing furniture categories into new realms.

"TAKE KAGO"

"TAKE KAGO"

"SHIBARI"

Two Series with Distinct Material Sensibilities

The "TAKE KAGO" series features lighting, stools, and tables utilizing traditional Japanese bamboo baskets.

For the lighting, the traditional construction of integrated bamboo and paper was reimagined by separating and isolating these elements. This creates a dual functionality: indirect lighting for the upper space and direct lighting for dining areas. Furthermore, by altering the bulb's position, it can also serve as a floor lamp.

The stools achieve seating strength, typically insufficient for bamboo baskets, by incorporating rubber. This also conceals the characteristic roughness of bamboo, ensuring comfort when seated.

For the tables, the three-dimensional weave of the bamboo is utilized, with colored epoxy resin poured in to create variations in depth and texture on the sides. This marks Nagasaka's first attempt at using epoxy resin on vertical surfaces in furniture.

The "SHIBARI" series, also unveiled, is formed by folding a single piece of sponge and binding it with rope. The sofas, with their surfaces coated in rubber, exhibit a unique form where the rope indents, accentuating the sponge's elasticity. The knots also allow for easy portability, a distinctive feature of this furniture.

Jo Nagasaka

Architect and Principal of Schemata Architects. Graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts, Department of Architecture in 1998. Established Schemata Architects the same year, and in 2007, relocated the office to Ue-Meguro, establishing "HAPPA," a collaborative office sharing a gallery and shop.
http://schemata.jp/

ICHIRO MILANO DESIGN WEEK 2014
JAPANESE TRADITIONAL THINGS
with Jo Nagasaka
Venue: Spazio Rossana Orlandi, Milan
Via Matteo Bandello 14/16, 20123 Milan
Dates: April 8 (Tue) - 13 (Sun), 2014
Hours: 9:00 - 20:00
http://www.ichirodesign.jp