From Hiroshima to Tako: how Naoto Fukasawa’s chair design has evolved
Product designer Naoto Fukasawa is Director of Design Sight 21_21 in Tokyo, which was founded by Issey Miyake in 2007. It’s currently hosting exhibition “The Original” through June, 2023, in which Fukasawa’s iconic chair Hiroshima and new product Tako are on display.
Naoto Fukasawa and Hiroshima
Naoto Fukasawa’s iconic armchair Hiroshima produced by Maruni Mokko (Wood Industry).
In display at the exhibition “The Original” at Design Sight 21_21.
Naoto Fukasawa released the armchair “Hiroshima” in 2008 from Maruni. It was important for him to work with a woodwork company capable of producing high quality products, as highly acclaimed designers such as Sori Yanagi and Le Corbusier collaborated with great woodwork companies to produce iconic products. Fukawawa was determined to work with Maruni to design a chair that would define his career. At Maruni, woodworkers with exceptional technique to carve wood are now programming computer numerical control (CNC) carving machine to facilitate mass production. Such accumulation of experiences and skills was indispensable to produce Hiroshima. (by the way, Maruni is located Hiroshima prefecture).
Ever since, Hiroshima has been Fukasawa’s signature chair. But in 2018, Chairman of Maruni requested Fukasawa to design yet another iconic chair to celebrate company’s 100th anniversary. Fukasawa replied: “Sure, but can I design a chair as a sculptor?”
It was the next step for Fukasawa after he successfully design Hiroshima, which gave him confidence to design and produce something more technically challenging. He was also confident that Maruni’s highly skilled woodworkers will be able to realize his idea.
Naoto Fukasawa and Tako
Naoto Fukasawa’s iconic armchair Tako produced by Maruni Mokko (Wood Industry).
In display at the exhibition “The Original” at Design Sight 21_21.
In order to create curvy parts using wood, you usually had to bent it. However, “Tako” does not use bent wood. It’s produced by carving raw timber. Maruni can mass produce it using computer numerical control (CNC) carving machine.
“I focused on where the rail, arms and rear legs met. I wanted to make it like how a tree organically branches out. I tried it many times by making prototypes.”
“Tako” was a departure from Fukasawa’s previous works which emphasized almost Zen-like minimalism, as it celebrated more decorative curves. For Fukawawa, it was about originality, re-discovery of fine arts, abundance and relatability. It also reflects the change in design trend from contemporary style.
Reference:
https://www.elle.com/jp/decor/decor-interior-design/a36050348/departure-lounge-21-0531/#
https://www.tjapan.jp/design_and_interiors/17195720/p2?page=1
