In Okinawa, designer Yuna Yamashiro has crafted a unique solution to the multi-tasking demands of modern furniture. Her creation, the Strings Stool, gracefully blends functionality with cultural heritage. This remarkable piece claimed the A’ Design Award in the Furniture Design category. Its thoughtful design features blue cords tautly stretched across a plywood frame, reminiscent of the strings on a sanshin, Okinawa’s traditional three-stringed instrument.
The Strings Stool is more than just seating; it’s a versatile holder for books and notebooks, transforming effortlessly from a stool to storage. It embodies a subtle presence, designed to integrate into a room without fanfare, waiting to serve whatever purpose you envision. The design’s dual role—as both a cultural homage and a practical piece of furniture—did not go unnoticed by the award judges.
Innovative Design and Craftsmanship
Yamashiro’s inventive process involved molding multi-layered plywood into a seamless arc, creating a continuous flow from the legs up and over the seat. The visible layers at the edges enhance its visual appeal, complemented by the rhythmic alignment of the cords. Measuring 500mm wide, 300mm deep, and 450mm tall, the stool fits comfortably in any setting. Its trapezoidal leg placement not only adds comfort but also enables efficient nesting and stacking—an often-overlooked, yet essential feature.
A Thoughtful Approach to Modern Living
Building on the concept seen in Cocoon’s GRID-IT organizer, Yamashiro scales the functionality to furniture size. She integrated replaceable, tension-based cords that users can customize or replace, ensuring the stool’s longevity and adaptability. This user-centric design philosophy highlights the importance of practical ownership over mere aesthetic appeal.
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While the cords enhance the stool’s adaptability, they may cause discomfort over extended sittings. A subtly designed central opening provides some relief, but for those using the stool as a primary seat, a cushion might be advisable. This minor consideration doesn’t overshadow its cohesive and impressively innovative design.
Source: yankodesign.com