traditional japanese woodworking technique adds dimension to forêt furniture series by ODS

Nov 06, 2024

Architect Koichiro Oniki’s Design Studio (ODS) unveils the Forêt furniture series in DESIGNART Tokyo 2024. The collection includes a console, a low table, and a divider inspired by the traditional Japanese Kumiko technique. ODS brings another dimension to the traditional Japanese craft, a woodworking technique that assembles geometric patterns without nails. Forêt transforms Kumiko’s delicate two-dimensional compositions into 3D furniture. This reinterpretation is grounded in employing small cross-sections of wood to explore the structural stability of the equilateral triangle—a foundational shape in Kumiko design

images courtesy of Oniki Design Studio (ODS)

Tokyo-born architect Oniki, with a foundation in spatial design and architecture, brings experience from his time at the Japanese design studio nendo and his own firm, ODS in DESIGNART Tokyo 2024. In collaboration with Abe Kogyo Co., Ltd., a renowned maker of fine wooden fittings, Oniki has developed Forêt—a collection that preserves the authenticity of the intricate Kumiko craft by transforming it into contemporary furniture.

Kumiko, a traditional Japanese art form rooted in architectural ornamentation, is celebrated for its complex, precise joinery that forms delicate, flat panel designs, highlighting the natural beauty of wood and the skill of craftsmanship. With Forêt, these traditionally two-dimensional patterns are innovatively reimagined as 3D objects, bringing a fresh dimension to Kumiko’s elegance while honoring its heritage.

Oniki Design Studio (ODS) unveils the Forêt furniture series

the collection includes a console, a low table, and a divider

Forêt is inspired by the traditional Japanese Kumiko technique

ODS brings another dimension to the traditional Japanese craft

the collection preserves the authenticity of Kumiko

the woodworking technique assembles geometric patterns without nails

Forêt transforms Kumiko’s delicate two-dimensional compositions into 3D furniture

employing small cross-sections of wood to explore the structural stability of the equilateral triangle

Kumiko is a traditional Japanese art form rooted in architectural ornamentation

complex, precise joinery forms delicate, flat panel designs

project info:

name: Forêt designer: Oniki Design Studio (ODS)

collaborator: Abe Kogyo Co., Ltd

event: DESIGNART Tokyo 2024 | @DESIGNART_TOKYO

venue: AXIS Design Center

address: 4F AXIS Bidg. 5-17-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

dates: October 11th to November 4th, 2024