rain games by takram / kotaro watanabe at BODW 2012

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rain games by takram / kotaro watanabe at BODW 2012

Nov 26, 2012

first image
'umbrellas of rainbow' from takram's 'storyweaving' workshop looks at ways to bridge distances between human relationships - enabled by rain

japanese design engineer kotaro watanabe of takram will be a guest speaker at this year's business of design week (BODW).
watanabe has directed a number of projects reflecting on the concept of water and rain - particularly through the 'storyweaving' workshop and
water-repellant toy 'furumai hitoha'.

'umbrellas of rainbow' was a result of the 'storyweaving' workshop where in-house designers and engineers of japanese enterprises were
encouraged to inform their work with a strong ideological framework and reference to narrative. the piece is an umbrella that, at first,
appears to be grey but in fact is fabricated from one-sided deflection film so that when two umbrellas overlap, a vibrant color pattern reminiscent
to that of a rainbow is revealed from the imbrication. the colors continue to transform as the umbrellas are twirled. the concept was generated
in an effort to offer opportunities for children to meet and befriend each other and partake in a communication enabled by rain,
providing a metaphorical 'bridge' to lessen the distance between human relationships.

'furumai hitoha' also explores the idea of liquid through the language of games. the structure is created through a water-repelling
sheet of paper that is folded like a traditional japanese bamboo-leaf boat so that when water is dripped on to this dish-like form,
it rolls and tumbles in a unique way. the piece was named 'furumai hitoha' - with 'furumai' translating to behavior and 'hitoha'
meaning single leaf - after its resemblance to how a rain droplet moves across a lotus leaf, celebrating the beauty and
preciousness of a single drop of water.

'furumai' is a water-repelling game

the structure is created through a water-repelling sheet of paper that is folded like a traditional japanese bamboo-leaf boat

when water is dripped on to this dish-like form, it rolls and tumbles in a unique way

the name of the project is titled after its resemblance to how a rain droplet moves across a lotus leaf

'furumai HITOHA'

designboom is an international media partner of the business of design week (BODW)
first hosted by the hong kong design centre (HKDC) in 2002, business of design week (BODW) is a must-attend ideas exchange platform for asia's
most innovative thinkers and business leaders. now in its 10th year, BODW - as the finale of 2012 design year - continues to inspire valuable dialogue
through an unrivaled blend of forums, seminars, exhibitions and outreach programmes for designers, business leaders, educators,
SMEs and the public to exchange ideas and address a wide array of 21st century challenges. if you want to stay on top of cutting edge opportunities in design,
technology and brand management, this is one event you won't want to miss! this year, BODW is partnering with denmark.
it is certain that it will bring about more positive changes in the people centered design and business communities.

BODW 2012
hongkong convention and exhibition center
03-08.12.2012

lara db

11.26.12

BODW 2012 (14 articles)
takram (3 articles)

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