Designer Portrait: RENDS Design by Masanao Furukawa
Text by Susanne Fritz
Switzerland
03.05.11
Following his training at the DOMUS Academy in Italy and at Central St Martins College of Art & Design in the UK, Masanao Furukawa returned to Tokyo and set up RENDS Design Studio.At this year's Salone Satellite, RENDS presented for the second time its modest, considered designs, whose elegant wood joinery fascinates audiences.
The natural beauty of simple wood construction was the starting point for the new 'Mouri' collection which was presented at Salone Satellite 2011
The natural beauty of simple wood construction was the starting point for the new 'Mouri' collection which was presented at Salone Satellite 2011
×The natural beauty of simple wood construction was the starting point for the new 'Mouri' collection. The long tradition of using the wood for creating furniture compelled Masanao Furukawa to rethink its potential: the 'Mouri' series is designed to emphasise as much as possible the natural aesthetic and structure of the material, while testing the material's possibilities to the limit.
Coat hanger with 'Mouri's' distinguishing feature, the wooden knot
The joins, which are the 'Mouri' series' distinguishing feature, are reminiscent of Gordian knots
The joins, which are the 'Mouri' series' distinguishing feature, are reminiscent of Gordian knots, whose apparent insolvability frustrates any casual attempt to work out they are constructed. With their formal suggestion of branches and roots, they underscore the wood's organic character, while translating this into highly considered, designed forms.
This type of 'anti'-join is also characteristic of Masanao Furukawas' designs from last year's Salone Satellite. The structural elements from the 'Frame' collection, made of wood, touch each other while appearing not to be fixed.
'Frame' collection by RENDS Design, exhibited at last year's Salone Satellite
