shin azumi: nara for fredericia

'NARA' chair
83.5 cm x 43.5 cm x 49.5 cm x 53 cm
image © designboom

the initial concept for the ‘NARA’ collection by japanese designer shin azumi was to create
minimal structure while providing a maximum level of comfort. in this series created
for danish furniture manufacturer fredericia, azumi wanted to express the sculptural beauty
of solid timber and create comfortable furniture from a simple wooden structure.
thus, the 'NARA' series pays homage to traditional scandinavian design while at the same
time creating a new aesthetic language of its own. the word ‘NARA’ is taken from
the japanese historic capital city which is famous for its free roaming, sacred deers.

when designing the 'NARA' chair, azumi first defined the top edge and vertical supports
of the backrest to get the best level of comfort and to create maximum support. all superfluous
material from the backrest was then removed. the 'horns' of the backrest provide the perfect
place to hang a jacket or bag. although initially designed from a functional and structural
perspective, as an end result the image of the chair resembles that of a deer.


'NARA' chair


'NARA' chair


'NARA' table and chairs
180 cm x 90 cm x 72cm ('NARA' table dimensions)
image © designboom

simple detailing and a classic aesthetic mean that the 'NARA' table can be subtly used
in combination with the 'NARA' chair. however, the versatility of the table design also
allows it to sit comfortably in any environment and alongside any dining chair without
being too overpowering.




'NARA' table

the corners of the table have been cut off to soften what would usually be sharp edges.
to create a more spacious and inviting feeling between the table legs, their internal faces
are angled at 45 degrees.



'NARA' coat stand
180 cm x 32 cm x 42 cm
image © designboom

'NARA’ coat stand resembles a tree like structure, where each branch provides a place
to hang an item of clothing. during the manufacture of other furniture, large amounts
of waste are usually produced.  many small but good quality pieces of timber are often
discarded. this design maximizes on those otherwise wasted pieces, creating a coat stand
with minimal wastage of materials.

all three furniture pieces - the dining chair, table and coat stand - was on show during
milan furniture fair 2010.


'NARA' coat stand