Mazda Showcases Design Prowess Across Disciplines

Mazda views Milan Design Week as an excellent opportunity to showcase its design capabilities. In 2015, within the Brera district, known for its furniture and fashion exhibits, Mazda displayed the "Bike by KODO concept" and "Sofa by KODO concept" alongside the "CX-3" and the new "Roadster" (known as the MX-5 there).

The exhibition room, presented behind a shop window under the banner "Mazda Design," was chic and predominantly black. Stepping inside, visitors were greeted by two vehicles painted in Mazda's signature sophisticated Soul Red color. The true stars, however, were the sofa and the bicycle, created specifically for this Design Week.

Sofa by KODO concept

Bike by KODO concept

"For the sofa, we focused on simultaneously expressing stability and movement. For the bicycle, we aimed for a form that embodies dignity and tension, based on the concept of 'Rin' (dignity)," explained a representative from Mazda's design department at the venue.

While Mazda's design department conceived the sofa's form, its production was entrusted to Milanese furniture artisans. The taut leather is exquisite, and the aluminum legs reveal a meticulous attention to materials upon closer inspection. Furthermore, when prompted by the designer to "Please pay attention to this," and moving to the back, a striking red accent color is revealed. It's reminiscent of a Mazda car's grille. This subtle touch of playfulness, executed discreetly, was described as "Japanese design."

Forged Tubes by Mazda Craftsmen

The bicycle, on the other hand, was initially intended to be designed based on a fixed-gear frame to leverage its simple aesthetic beauty. The project became quite exciting from the concept-making stage, as many Mazda designers are cycling enthusiasts.

"The wheels and pedals are by Mavic, but the rest is almost entirely in-house. Mazda's craftsmen forge chromoly steel to create the tubes. We were careful with the diameter balance, as simply making the tubes thicker could result in a classic, rather than modern, feel."

Varying tube diameters effectively create a modern aesthetic.

The words "Mazda Design" are proudly displayed in the window.

Upon closer inspection of the handlebars, the interior is painted red. Additionally, the top tube section near the saddle has been chamfered, revealing character lines that resemble those on the side of a car. "We incorporated the image of the MX-5," said a designer.

The surrounding area, with its numerous restaurants, features tables spilling onto the streets as is typical in Italy, creating a lively atmosphere day and night. In stark contrast to this bustle, Mazda's coolly confident presentation of its design capabilities offered a glimpse into another facet of Milan Design Week.

• Feature | Milan Salone International Furniture Fair 2015