nendo designs 50 chairs for friedman benda influenced by manga comics

nendo’s ’50 manga chairs’ installation for friedman benda draws a comparison between manga comics and furniture design. a term commonly associated with comics printed in japan, ‘manga’ consists of a series of frames on a single sheet of paper that create a structured sequence rendered with a high degree of flatness and abstraction. similarly, nendo’s designs are lined up in a grid, with each individual chair characterising a specific ‘manga’ drawing element – so in effect each piece becomes a section within a story board. 

installation view of ’50 manga chairs’ within the courtyard of the facoltà teologica dell’italia settentrionale
(above) photo by takumi ota
(main) photo by takumi ota

for example, a ‘speech bubble’ or ‘effect line’ are added to visualise sound or action; or emotional symbols from manga, like “sweat” or “tears”, are formed so that a sense of narrative and character can be felt. with the abstraction of manga comics in mind, physical aspects such as colour and texture are intentionally avoided. instead, a complete mirror finish is opted for, which generates new spatial layers as the chairs’ surfaces reflect the real world, just like ‘manga’ does. nendo presents his ’50 manga chairs’ installation for friedman benda during milan design week 2016 within the facoltà teologica dell’italia settentrionale (piazza paolo VI, 6 ).

nendo has envisioned 50 chairs all influenced by manga comics
photo by takumi ota

while sculptural in presence, the chairs’ shadows offer a bold and graphic visual
photo by takumi ota

’50 manga chairs’ presented during milan design week 2016
photo by takumi ota

up close view
photo by takumi ota

installation view of ’50 manga chairs’ at dusk
photo by takumi ota

the chairs draw on design elements seen in manga comics that visualize sound or action
photo by kenichi sonehara

emotional symbols like ‘sweat’ or ‘tears’ also are characterized within the chair designs
photo by kenichi sonehara

each individual chair takes a on a manga characteristic such as swirls of motion
photo by kenichi sonehara

the full collection of 50 chairs
photo by kenichi sonehara

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