In an era marked by swift technological advancements and a growing emphasis on sustainability, our lifestyles and spaces are transforming rapidly. These changes necessitate a design approach that can adapt and remain relevant. In response to these evolving needs, Karimoku Furniture—a reputed Japanese wooden furniture manufacturer with over eight decades of expertise—has initiated Karimoku Research. This innovative endeavor aims to explore and redefine modern living by examining, archiving, and innovating how people live, drawing from collaborations with global design talents.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Architect: Keiji Ashizawa
Furniture: Karimoku Furniture
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Design Studio: Christian+Jade
Exhibition: The Age of Wood
Karimoku Research represents the confluence of tradition and innovation, as showcased by the recent establishment of the Karimoku Research Center in Tokyo. This initiative seeks to invigorate discussions around design’s role in everyday life by merging the brand’s rich heritage in woodworking with progressive, avant-garde ideas. It signifies a commitment to understanding and shaping the future of living spaces. At its core, Karimoku Research is dedicated to creating designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also meaningful and responsive to contemporary needs.
The center’s inaugural project, Survey 00: WOOD, underscores Karimoku Research’s dedication to redefining the function of wood in modern design and its role in sustainability. Curated in conjunction with the design duo Christian+Jade, the exhibition titled “The Age of Wood” was a sequel to their previous work showcased at 3daysofdesign 2023. This exhibition extends their exploration to include the diverse and rich landscapes of Japanese forests. Christian+Jade present an array of artistic objects and sculptures that encapsulate the natural elegance and diversity of Japanese wood, while also capturing the essence of its aging process. By showcasing different wood specimens in various stages of weathering, the exhibition invites introspection on time, change, and the evolving human-nature relationship.
The Karimoku Research Center itself is a notable innovation, designed by Tokyo architect Keiji Ashizawa. Situated in a refurbished three-story building in Tokyo, it features purpose-specific areas dedicated to fostering creative exploration and collaboration. The ground floor, known as ‘The Archive,’ serves as a gallery space hosting exhibitions like The Age of Wood. Visitors can experience the transformative essence of wood through the thoughtful display. The second floor, termed ‘The Materials Lab,’ offers a hands-on environment complete with seminars and workshops, allowing visitors to engage directly with material samples. This interactive space encourages learning and exploration of the diverse applications of materials used in design.
Further, the third floor, ‘The Study,’ is dedicated to facilitating discussions and the ideation process. It is designed to encourage deep, thoughtful conversations that inspire breakthrough ideas and innovative designs. These carefully curated spaces at the Karimoku Research Center offer an immersive experience, inviting visitors to engage with design concepts, materials, and prototypes in a fresh and meaningful way. They reflect a comprehensive approach to exploring the intersections of design, technology, and sustainability.
Looking toward the future, Karimoku Research remains committed to its creative exploration mission. Upcoming collaborations are expected with esteemed studios such as Waka Waka from Los Angeles and Lichen from New York City. These partnerships exemplify Karimoku’s dedication to fostering cutting-edge design and innovation worldwide. Through such collaborations, Karimoku Research continues to push the boundaries of design, offering insightful and progressive solutions that resonate with contemporary living and further strengthen its position as a pioneering force in the global design landscape.
