SINGAPORE \u2014 Japanese designer Hiroki Sakamoto bagged the grand prize at this year\u2019s Furniture Design Award for his miniature chairs inspired by a traditional Japanese dessert that dates<\/b>
Yokan Chair by Hiroki Sakamoto
SINGAPORE \u2014 Japanese designer Hiroki Sakamoto bagged the grand prize at this year\u2019s Furniture Design Award for his miniature chairs inspired by a traditional Japanese dessert that dates back to the 17th century. The Yokan Chair takes its name from the delicately tinted bars of sweet bean paste made from azuki beans, sugar and agar-agar.
Sakamoto was one of the 12 finalists weeded out from over 200 participants in this year\u2019s competition. The panel of judges awarded him the grand prize of S$20,000 and a 12-square-meter space at next year\u2019s International Furniture Fair Singapore (IFFS) for his whimsical design.
Eight of the other finalists also came up with chairs that followed a theme that championed resourcefulness and sustainability. One was made of three U-shaped pieces of laminated wood one could connect with magnets to form a stool. Another used a single-layered felt shell reinforced with a steel frame that could easily be assembled into an armchair or rolled up for shipment.
Jun Paul Lasco, who hails from Bohol but works in Cebu, was one of this year\u2019s finalists. His Bench Screen is a high-backed bench that has a double purpose: It serves as seating and as a partition or divider.
Bench Screen by Filipino designer Jun Paul Lasco
\u201cI was inspired by the inexpensive reed screens sold by ambulant vendors,\u201d Lasco told Inquirer Lifestyle. \u201cTwo Christmases ago, my mother came home with several of these screens. She said she had seen an old woman selling them and decided to buy all her wares.\u201d
The elderly woman was so thankful because she didn\u2019t have to go around Bohol trying to sell the screens. She was able to go home to her family with money to spend for Noche Buena.
\u201cThat\u2019s where the idea for the Bench Screen came from,\u201d Lasco said. \u201cI wanted to elevate the look by using sturdier materials but still keeping its screen function.\u201d
By using rattan in a gradient pattern attached to a lightweight steel frame, he was able to come up with seating that also provided a modicum of privacy.
\u201cIt\u2019s still very new but I can imagine it being used in airports, banks and restaurants,\u201d he said. \u201cClients can also have the steel frame painted in their preferred color.\u201d
The soft-spoken designer said that he has been working for industrial designer Kenneth Cobonpue for two years now.
Lasco\u2019s sketches for his Bench Screen. It was inspired by the screens sold on the streets.
\u201cI took a week off so I could attend this year\u2019s IFFS. The Bench Screen may look simple but I can also come up with elaborate designs should the need arise.\u201d
The Furniture Design Award, a project of SingaPlural, is an annual furniture design competition organized by the Singapore Furniture Industries Council. The award aims to uncover budding design talents and be a reputable showcase for the unique creations of the world\u2019s best creative minds.
The designs of all 12 finalists are on display at Hall 6 of the Singapore Expo until March 12. \/atm<\/p>\n