sculptural steel ladder imitates the flowing geometries of brass musical instruments

Resonique ladder fuses functional object and sculptural form

SO KOIZUMI DESIGN has developed Resonique, a ladder that explores the relationship between functional structure and sculptural form. The project draws on the structural logic of ladders while referencing the flowing geometries associated with brass musical instruments. Through this combination, the object shifts from a purely utilitarian tool toward a design piece that engages both function and spatial presence.

The ladder integrates the stability of conventional ladder construction with curved elements inspired by the forms of brass instruments. Polished stainless steel pipes define the structure, creating continuous lines that guide the eye along the frame. This approach positions the ladder as a functional object while introducing a visual language more commonly associated with musical instruments.

all images courtesy of SO KOIZUMI DESIGN

a flowing frame references brass instruments’ smooth contours

At the junctions between the pipes, SO KOIZUMI DESIGN developed custom connectors referencing the piston valves found in brass instruments. These components function as structural joints while also acting as visual markers that reinforce the musical reference embedded in the design.

Resonique was developed as part of a project within the new employee training program at the Japanese design and construction company Tanseisha Co., Ltd. The project brought together recently hired team members in a collaborative process focused on experimentation and making. Participants contributed individual interests and ideas, allowing the final one-of-a-kind object to emerge through a collective exploration of form and structure.

The name Resonique combines the words ‘resonance’ and ‘unique,’ referencing both the collaborative process behind the project and the singular identity of the resulting design.

Resonique is a ladder that explores the relationship between functional structure and sculptural form

the design combines the structural logic of ladders with forms inspired by brass musical instruments

curved geometries reinterpret the ladder as both a tool and a spatial object

polished stainless steel pipes define the ladder’s continuous structural lines

the flowing frame references the smooth contours of brass instruments

Resonique ladder by SO KOIZUMI DESIGN balances practical stability with expressive form

instrument-inspired forms introduce a new visual language to a familiar object

the valve-like connectors function both as structural joints and design accents

close-up of the polished stainless steel pipe construction

continuous curves guide the eye along the ladder’s vertical frame

detail of the custom joint inspired by brass instrument mechanisms

project info:

name: Resonique

designer: SO KOIZUMI DESIGN | @so_koizumi_design

manufacture: Tanseisha, Kikukawa Kogyo
photographer: SO KOIZUMI DESIGN

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom