kengo kuma + associates: chidori furniture

‘chidori furniture’ is a concept which arose from a collaboration between the east japan project and kengo kuma + associates. the after the earthquake that hit japan, many designers and craft artisans revisited past ideas and considered their possible effects on their modern way of living. local craftsmanship and vernacular materials are essential to the emerging collection. 

 

chidori furniture, is based on an old japanese toy. the wood planks are connected through a joint system allowing them to stay together even without the use of nails or glue. one unit of furniture consists of twelve timber sticks with different junction details. numerous combinations are possible for their assemblage,  making it usable as a table, shelf, or even a wall. staying true to their roots, the pieces come from craftsman in the tohoku region. 

 

 

pieces can be assembled into shelves and tables 

view of different heights

detail

chidori as used in architecture 

chidori toys from which the furniture originated 

diagram

sketch

craftsman working on chidori furniture 

hand crafting of joints