tokujin yoshioka: phenomenon collection for mutina at milan design week 2012

‘phenomenon collection’ by tokujin yoshioka for mutina all images courtesy of tokujin yoshioka design inc.

at salone del mobile 2012, italian ceramics manufacturer mutina presented the ‘phenomenon’ collection by japanese designer tokujin yoshioka. consisting of four series, the tiles are a response to natural occurrences translated into a textured surface. ‘snow’, ‘honey-comb’, ‘rock’ and ‘rain’ explore the geometric essence of each. due to the make-up of the material, the tile can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications. each element is individually pressed and crafted in a manner that has resulted in a patent for the product’s thinness and lightness. the porcelain stoneware slab is also impermeable to liquids, stains and chemical and bacterial agents. 

‘honey-comb’ image © designboom

the reconfiguration of the ingredients has resulted in the removal of the glaze, and the emission of toxic elements. in other words, there is no VOC (volatile organic compounds) off-gassing, meaning that the tiles do not degrade the air quality of the spaces in which they are used. 

first presented in 2010, ‘phenomenon’ has already received several awards, this was the first time it was exhibited during milan design week. see designboom’s previous coverage of ‘phenomenon’.

‘rain’ image © designboom

‘snow’, ‘honey-comb’, ‘rock’ and ‘rain’

detail of honeycomb texture

detail of ‘rain’ texture

ideation sketch for ‘honey-comb’

ideation sketch for rain