Posts from — April 2008

I’m in love with this character used in Geneviève Gauckler‘s “Smoooch” mirror for French brand Domestic.

I was also in love with this iPod case using a similar motif, but I couldn’t justify the fact that my case would cost more than my iPod.

Found some totally “fierce” tote bags at Baden Baden. They specialize in discovering young and unknown designers in Japan.

Drawing Mini Bag by tomotake

 

Note Bag by yuruliku

I think this post is going to conclude my 8-day posting spree on contemporary Japanese architects. Yes, I realize it’s still Thursday and that it would feel more “complete” if concluded on Friday, but I don’t want to ruin a pretty impressive line-up just for the sake of closure. So, with that behind me, I give you Junya Ishigami!

Junya Ishigami
KAIT Kobo

KAIT Kobo is a multi-purpose studio that was designed for the Kanagawa Institute of Technology. The flexibility of the space is made clear through it’s ability to remain undefined and ambiguous. In fact, in a discussion about his work, the artist actually referred to his process as “star-gazing,” likening it to the act of identifying heavenly bodies in a sky of seemingly random stars.

Teruhiro Yanagihara of Isolation Unit is known for his minimal aesthetic. Popular as it is, I must say that he does a splendid job executing his designs. The images below are from a beauty salon in Tokyo. Japan has elevated the hair-cutting trade to an art form, so it’s no surprise that a salon like this, in which the emphasis is on the medium, and only the medium, would eventually take life.

Teruhiro Yanagihara
LIM Hair Clinie (2006)

TNA was first founded in 2004 by architects Makoto Takei and Chie Nabeshima. For a relatively young firm, TNA has developed an outstanding portfolio of work. Their astute understanding of materials, and usgae in context, has earned them much recognition. I even had trouble choosing which piece to show. Both the Mosaic House and Platform House were strong contenders.

TNA
Wa no Ie (Ring House) (2006)