We originally designed the ISHINOMAKI BENCH for local residents to use at a temporary outdoor movie theater. The bench was made in partnership with students from Ishinomaki Technical High School. Through additional workshops with American furniture-maker Herman Miller, a total of 25 benches were produced for use in temporary housing around Ishinomaki. Karimoku’s rendition of this design uses the wood of deciduous broadleaf trees, slightly slimmer than the material of the original ISHINOMAKI BENCH, resulting in a timeless and elegant silhouette.
Design : Keiji Ashizawa
(b. 1973) lives and works in Tokyo, Japan. After graduating from Yokohama University School of Architecture in 1995, Ashizawa spent the first ten years of his career working as both an architect and steel fabricator. The unique skills and experience gained throughout these early years, including a valued understanding of metals, continue to influence his approach to design.Keiji Ashizawa presents work of ‘honest’ design – simple yet refined, thoughtful and of a light manner – derived naturally through the process of attempting to maximise the potential of each material and its function. He excels in applying these ideas to projects of various scale, from furniture and lighting design to architecture and exhibition design.His furniture and lighting have been exhibited internationally since 2001.In 2011, Ashizawa was awarded a ‘Special Award’ by the Japan Institute of Design for his principal participation in the inception of Ishinomaki Laboratory – a DIY furniture workshop established in Ishinomaki city, Japan, after it was devastated by the tsunami triggered by the Great East Japan Earthquake.
www.keijidesign.com
