teruhiro yanagihara draws from japanese stone gardens in ‘osaka’ collection for OFFECCT

during stockholm furniture fair 2020, teruhiro yanagihara presented osaka, his latest furniture collection for OFFECCT, which takes its cues from japanese stone gardens. comprising a series of ottomans and tables, the collection is characterized by simple forms and materials, which together create a jigsaw puzzle expressing both precision and clarity. the elements in osaka can be combined in different ways to fit within different spaces, whether a large entrance hall or a smaller room for a quick, spontaneous meeting.

‘I wanted to make a functional combination system for the contract market,’ yanagihara tells designboom. ‘osaka is inspired by the japanese rock gardens – it’s not just about the product, it’s also about creating an atmospheric landscape of furniture.’

all images courtesy of OFFECCT

behind-the-scenes images by jonas anhede winge

embodying OFFECCT‘s design philosophy, teruhiro yanagihara‘s timeless, simple collection of ottomans and tables references in part the cobblestone footpaths made of rocks in different sizes – an organic form that simultaneously exudes precision and clarity. a landscape of furniture, the elements in osaka are like reflections of each other, which can be combined in different ways. ‘my goal was to design something adjustable for any space, whether small or large,’ explains yanagihara to designboom. ‘depending on how you place the table and chairs, they can adapt to the room. ‘

available in different sizes, the osaka pieces are both suitable for an active and engaging conversation, while the soft fabric used in their upholstery has a positive effect on the room’s acoustics. additionally, their simple shapes allows them to be easily reupholstered, which is in line with the swedish company’s lifecircle philosophy.

‘the similarity in japanese and swedish design traditions is that we would rather reduce than add to the complexity, in order to find the core of the product,’ says yanagihara. ‘the process of osaka has led us to a design where we use the simplest of means and materials to create products that can be used – and reused – time and time again and around the world.’

teruhiro yanagihara during the production of osaka in tibro, sweden

project info:

name: osaka

designer: teruhiro yanagihara

company: OFFECCT