LUKA YASUKAWA

FLEXIBLE ORDER

Words by Alison Choi

In his latest furniture collection ‘Pedestal Series’, Japan-based spatial and furniture designer Luka Yasukawa explores the interrelation between object recognition and functionality.

The collection comprises of seven distinctive designs created through an experimental approach where each piece can exist as both a functional piece of furniture and design object to demonstrate that complex forms and functions can be combined to create unique typologies. All pieces are made using plywood which is readily available and are limited to only straight cuts to minimise costs.

Words by Alison Choi

Photography by Luka Yasukawa

Pedestal.04

The inspiration for this piece derived from the moment where people mistook a pedestal as a chair.

Pedestal.04 is constructed using readily accessible plywood and assembled at right angles. The back and seats of the pedestal are deliberately curved using thin plywood along the body.

*Pedestal.05*
A step stool whose upper step had to be combined to withhold the simple-shaped lower step. The unique typology of this step stool is determined by the clear and simple structure of its steps while the gaps in between can be used for storage. This gap is not simply a space but performs as an important pocket that can accept various demands.

Pedestal.01

Luka aimed to create a piece that would challenge the process of recognition and in particular, at the moment where a box transforms into a chair, vice versa.

*Pedestal.02*
The idea was to create a chair that could withstand the weight of varying actions, including sitting, straddling, standing, and elbowing. By minimising the quantity of components used, Luka reinterprets the concept of order that is found in ancient Greek architecture - by incorporating elements such as a foundation to form the symbolism of an object.

*Pedestal.07*
This rendition has a core that integrates a seat, backrest, legs, and lifting functions while playing an important role in establishing structure throughout. This is also a primitive answer created by narrowing down the function required for light work and minimum components.

Learn more

Luka Yasukawa ↗

In his latest furniture collection ‘Pedestal Series’, Japan-based spatial and furniture designer Luka Yasukawa explores the interrelation between object recognition and functionality.