Forêt by ODS / Oniki Design Studio (Japan)
Forêt
“Kumiko” is a traditional Japanese woodworking technique that assembles geometric wooden patterns without nails. Mortises and tenons are cut into thinly split wood and slotted together to create intricate designs, which have long been cherished in decorative wooden joinery. These three works utilize the traditional "Kumiko" technique, typically used for flat decorative designs, and apply it to create three-dimensional assemblies. Focusing on the structural stability of the equilateral triangle, the fundamental building block of Kumiko woodworking, the design evolves into a three-dimensional piece of furniture made using only small cross-sections of wood.
BL - The Portrait of Time by Yama Design Ltd (Hong Kong)
Our mission is to enhance traditional design models, redefining eyewear as more than just material & form—it is a vessel of time & walking art. BL aims to create works with a stronger emphasis on graphic art, vibrant contrasts of pop art into the design through spray-painting, a technique that is more precise & consistent than traditional silk-screen printing. BL uses recycled DuPont material for eyewear cases & aluminum time capsule packaging, paying homage to space exploration while maximizing sustainability. This design reminds us of the transience of digital storage & advocates for tangible design to preserve wisdom & aesthetics.
HT-702A by Stellar Limited (China)
The HT-702 chair embodies Stellar's commitment to sustainable design and ergonomic excellence. This project stemmed from a desire to create an office chair that not only provides exceptional comfort and support but also minimizes environmental impact. Crafted with a focus on sustainability, the HT-702 utilizes recycled and recyclable materials, minimizing environmental impact. Featuring an ergonomic shape, adjustable lumbar support, and adjustable headrest, it ensures optimal comfort and support for users, promoting healthy posture and reducing strain. The design process involved extensive research into user needs and ergonomic principles.
CANAL CITY 2024 XMAS -Light of Hope- by Takasu Gaku Design and Associates (Japan)
Light of Hope was the centrepiece of the Christmas illumination project of the Canal City Hakata commercial facility in Fukuoka, Japan. This was the first such Christmas show in three years since the COVID-19 pandemic, and the goal was to create something filled with the hopes and dreams of spectators. An artwork symbolizing the heart and soul of Canal City was created and appears to float above the Sun Plaza Stage, a beautifully organic-looking building situated at the center of the facility.
Metal Spinning Lamp by Muneji Toh Architects (Japan)
The project explores the possibilities of metal spinning, a processing technique that transforms a sheet of metal into a three-dimensional form using specialized machinery. This traditional yet versatile process has been reimagined in the design of lighting fixtures. To create a distinctive lamp, seven processing methods were applied, blending traditional craftsmanship with experimental techniques. Each process reveals a distinct aesthetic potential of metal, ranging from the beauty of raw materials to advanced visual effects.