Japan and Europe - Forms felt at the Fingertips
Inter-cultural Resonances Creating "Contrast"
Contrasts between past and present, nostalgia and novelty, East
and West, stasis and dynamism, nature and artific, etc. are
complex matters. Each element present in the equations will
have its
special characteristics, but will also fuse with other elements
to create a form superseding the
originals. Such a possibility-filled idea informs the "Contrast"
products we are presenting at the Salone Internazionale del
Mobile.
Project "Contrast" has evolved beyond the dualism
of East and West. Ichiro Iwasaki, a prominent Japanese industrial
designer specialising in electric appliances, has been invited
to join us as a main designer. An Italian factory will collaborate
in the manufacturing. Markus Mostrom, a Swedish graphic designer,
has also joined our international team.
" - Much importance is placed on forms with fingertip
sensations. In designing daily-use com -modities like these,
comfort must come before function. I like to observe people's
routine behaviour." Ichiro Iwasaki, Designer
"Contrast" products come in pared down forms but
are certainly not simple. We create items that can nestle
into daily life and generate atmosphere, of warmth, so as
to enhance people's environments. We aim to condense power
into simple forms which we expect to resonate for people.
Our tools become ever more alive to those who use them, activating
scenarios for their daily lives. "Contrast" is a
design project that seeks to question relationships between
people and objects, we isolate elements of service in contemporary
life, and make them into form.
Ichiro Iwasaki
Born, 1965, Tokyo, Japan. Entered Sony Design Center in 1986;
carried out various development projects in car audio systems,
and TVs for the European market. Left Sony in 1991 and moved
to Milan where he worked in product design. Returned to Japan
and established IWASAKI DESIGN STUDIO in 1995. Attracted attention
at launch of "MUTECH" audio range, in whose product
design he was involved. Currently involved with an array of
products, from tableware to information tools such as mobile
phones and digital cameras.
contact: contrast@ricordi-sfera.com
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