We participated in the “HIGASHIOSAKA FACTORIES” project, which aims to create and disseminate the diverse technologies and innovative manufacturing of Higashiosaka. In cooperation with Kyowa Steel Co., Ltd., which manufactures diamond-shaped wire net, we worked on the planning and design of products using this wire net.
When I visited the factory and touched the diamond-shaped wire net, it was different from my image of cold and inorganic metal wire. On touch, it was almost soft, and its heaviness gave me a warmth. It reminded me of my childhood days, the feeling of climbing up a metal fence, with it rubbing on my leg, the sound of a kicked ball hitting the fence, leaning up against the wire etc… Those kind of materials.
Afterwards, I came up with the idea for a modular bench, which has similar warm characteristics. It has a delicate and sharp look, but softens and supports your body when you sit down in it. Due to the manufacturing characteristics of diamond-shaped wire netting, it is possible to adjust its length freely, and we made a modular bench which can be adjusted to various lengths, according to use and situation.