Itoki Co., Ltd.
ITOKI, “Shapes of Working Like Living Exhibition” Press Event Report Introducing “vertebra03 WOOD” and “hako” scheduled to be released sequentially from December 25th. We will invite product designer Fumie Shibata to hold a talk session with Karimoku Furniture and Itoki! Reservation acceptance has started
……
Itoki Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo, President: Hiroshi Minato) announced on Wednesday, December 6th, ahead of the “Shapes of Working as a Living Exhibition”*, which will begin on Thursday, December 7th, 2023. A press event for interested parties was held at Karimoku Commons Tokyo.
Vertebra03 WOOD is a wooden work chair designed by product designer Fumie Shibata in collaboration with Karimoku Furniture that combines the warmth of wood and ergonomics, and a simple and free way of working that does not restrict where you live. “Hako”, a portable battery that has both a beautiful appearance, was unveiled, and the person in charge of product development gave a product presentation. In addition, a talk session was held with product designer Fumie Shibata, Eri Akamatsu of Karimoku Furniture Co., Ltd., and Itoki space designer Sachiko Kayama about behind-the-scenes stories of product development and recent office space design trends, with the theme of “A form of work that makes you feel like living.” Ta.
*Event names are used with permission from Kenta Nakamura, author of “Working Like Living”
Source: https://shigoto100.com/book-ikiruyounihataraku
[Image 1
The name of this exhibition is the phrase “work like you live,” which has been advocated since the release of vertebra03 in 2019. Regarding the design of the two newly created forms, “vertebra03 WOOD” and “hako,” based on this idea, Mr. Shibata said, “I was talking to Itoki about how I wanted to make a wooden work chair, and Karimoku Furniture… With this connection, a three-party project began.We actually visited Karimoku Furniture’s factory and observed the wood processing process while proceeding with development.hako has a wide variety of work styles. As the world continues to grow, Itoki approached me with the idea of developing a portable battery that would allow people to work freely without being tied to power sources.Itoki designs workstyles and offices, not in the context of home appliances. I was conscious of creating a unique product,” he said, explaining the motivation behind the product development and his thoughts.
“vertebra03 WOOD” is a work chair that crosses the border between “working” and “living.” It combines the comfort of a mechanism that naturally leads to the correct sitting posture, and the design and expandability that can be freely customized to fit in a rich space. The concept remains the same, but using wood created a new challenge.For example, for the joint between the back and body, it was difficult to recreate the smart appearance that would be seen in public using wood.Three parts By pooling our brains and devising ideas, we were able to create a shape that looks like the public itself is made of wood.Also, regarding the comfort of sitting, which follows the three-dimensional curved shape of the vertebra03’s back seat, we made a number of changes to the prototype. We sat down many times and adjusted the surface shape while trying to withstand pressure.We were particular about the color, and by talking directly with the craftsmen of Karimoku Furniture to develop the color, we were able to create a painting that took advantage of the wood
grain.Karimoku By combining the latest furniture equipment, the skills of our craftsmen, and Itoki’s knowledge of ergonomic work chairs, we have created a wooden work chair that has never existed before.” You talked about your passion. In addition, Tanaka, who is in charge of vertebra03 WOOD product development, said, “We created vertebra03 together with Mr. Shibata, but this time we had a difficult time because the approach was completely different between making the back seat out of urethane and out of wood. “Thanks to Karimoku Furniture, a wood specialist, the next generation model of the vertebra03 series was born.”
Regarding hako, Mr. Shibata said, “From the early stages, we had the idea of making a set of four pieces.However, if it had too much of a gadget feel, it would become office noise.We made the design as simple as possible, using a paper box as a motif.” At the same time, we have created four color variations to match the hue of vertebra03 WOOD and the current living environment.Because it is a simple square box, we paid close attention to the smallest details.Usually, it is difficult to reproduce a right angle orthogonal shape with plastic. However, I had high hopes that Itoki would be able to make this a reality, so we held many discussions without compromising.As a result, we were able to achieve the ideal design.Also, in modern offices, PCs are In response to this comment, Minauchi, who is in charge of hako product development, said, “Hako was originally developed by Mr. Shibata. Itoki says, “We have pretty much followed the design proposal that you gave us. We both wanted to realize a simple design with a
mass-produced product, and I think we were able to bring a new type of portable battery to the world.” I touched on the challenge of Karimoku Furniture Co., Ltd. Contract Sales Department Eri Akamatsu -The latest equipment and craftsmanship to create the unique three-dimensional curved surface of vertebra03 out of wood-
[Image 4
For vertebra03 WOOD, Karimoku Furniture was in charge of producing the back and seat, which are made by cutting and molding solid chestnut wood, a domestic hardwood. “vertebra03 WOOD’s wood sheet is made of two layers of laminated wood, and the parts that are difficult to see are made of short chestnut materials that are connected to make effective use of them.The motare is designed to make the wood grain as clear as possible when shaved. The cutting process continues for 90 minutes by changing the blade 9 times, during which fine adjustments are made by the craftsmen.As Mr. Shibata said, the vertebra03 is a combination of the latest equipment and craftsmanship. We realized the characteristic curved surface that can only be achieved with wood,” he said, speaking about his commitment as the supervisor of Kibe. In addition, as someone who is involved in space design as part of his regular business, he said, “Until now, Karimoku furniture was only used in executive rooms and reception rooms.However, with the shift to wooden offices in recent years, it has also been used in office spaces. Wooden furniture has become popular.There has never been a wooden chair that has the functionality of a work chair, so I hope many people will use it.”
■Sachiko Kayama, Director of 2nd Design Center, Work Style Design Section, Sales Headquarters, ITOKI Co., Ltd.
―vertebra03 WOOD and hako are perfect for future work styles and offices― [Image 5
Kayama proposes work styles and spaces as ITOKI’s in-house space designer. Recent trends and needs in office space design and interior design include an increasing number of workspaces that don’t look like offices at first glance, such as cafes and living room-like spaces. Therefore, creating an office that people want to come to has become an important issue for organizations.” When proposing spaces, he says, “We are conscious not only of functionality but also of comfort.Our head office, ITOKI TOKYO ) has been carefully designed not only with the layout and fixtures, but also with lighting and materials, creating an office that fosters a positive mindset toward work and encourages communication among employees.
Based on these considerations, we feel that vertebra03 WOOD and hako are products that will be very easy to use in future office
spaces.vertebra03 WOOD blends in well with wooden spaces and does not get tiring even when sitting for long periods of time, making it perfect for co-work areas. I also think hako would be cute if placed side by side on a shelf near the wall.We plan to incorporate it into XORK’s interior space soon.”He says, expressing the potential of both products to fit into the ever-changing workplace and work style. suggested.
Speaker profile
[FUMIE SHIBATA]
We are currently working on projects with domestic and overseas manufacturers, including electronic products, daily necessities, medical equipment, and total hotel direction. He has received awards such as iF Gold Award (Germany), Red Dot Design Award, Mainichi Design Award, G Mark Gold Award, Asian Design Award Grand Prize, Cultural Special Award, and Gold Award. Professor at Tama Art University and chairperson of the 2018-2019 Good Design Award Judging Committee. He is the author of “Another form inside one form”.
[ERI AKAMATSU]
Joined Karimoku Furniture Co., Ltd. in 2014. He assumed his current position after working in sales at furniture stores. While in charge of sales to design offices that design offices and commercial facilities, in recent years he has been holding study sessions to encourage the use of domestic materials both inside and outside the company.
[SACHIKO KAYAMA]
For over 20 years since joining Itoki, he has been involved in over 200 various office projects. He was responsible for the establishment of the Innovation Center in 2012, the relocation of the headquarters office in 2018, and the design of the company’s office project, achieving WELL certification and large-scale introduction of ABW. Currently, as the director of the design center, he is mainly in charge of projects in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
An exhibition space where you can experience “a form of work that feels like living”
At the venue, the design process and development story of “vertebra03 WOOD” and “hako” will be visualized. You can actually touch and sit with the product, along with photos and stories from the time of its development. This is a space where you can experience the future work style proposed by ITOKI.
[Image 6
[Related press release]
Press release announcing the event “Shapes of working like living” https://www.itoki.jp/press/2023/2311_karimokucommonstokyo.html Overview of “vertebra03 WOOD” and “hako” to be released sequentially from December 25th (Monday)
■vertebra03 WOOD (Vertebra Zero Sunwood)
Adding the warmth of wood to ergonomics. Future options that expand your creativity
Featuring the warmth of wood and Itoki’s unique ergonomics,
“vertebra03 WOOD” is the long-awaited latest model in the series that expands the office environment and the consciousness of workers more freely and flexibly as they change with the times. Under the supervision of Karimoku Furniture, we have achieved the optimal three-dimensional shape of the back and seat that follows the work posture, just like the previous model. It maintains an appearance that blends in with living spaces, an ergonomic mechanism that provides comfort, and expandability that can be freely customized to suit the individuality of the user and the space, while also maintaining the texture and warmth unique to solid chestnut wood, a domestically produced hardwood. You can taste it.
[Image 7
BODY TYPE: 5 legs, 4 legs rotation
Size: 5 legs W560 x D515 x H775-890 (SH425-540) mm
4 legs rotation W560 x D515 x H810 (SH455) mm
Color: Wood color (clear, black, green)
Body color (black, dark green,
chestnut brown, pale olive)
Release date: Early January 2024
Price: 143,330 yen ~ (tax included)
From 15:00 on Wednesday, December 6th, on the Itoki online shop main store site. We have started accepting reservations for “vertebra03 WOOD”. “Itoki Online Shop Main Store Site” vertebra03 WOOD reservation reception page https://s.shop-itoki.jp/V03WDEXH
■hako
A portable battery that harmonizes with your space and has a simple beauty that does not limit your location.
“hako” is a portable battery with a beautiful appearance that blends into your space, whether you use it, transport it, or charge it. The simple and well-fitting form comes with a strap on the back, making it easy to carry when moving from place to place, such as during online meetings. Adjust the colors to a certain tone, such as colors that go well with the interior or colors that match the image of the paper. By reducing the gloss, we have achieved a design that does not look like a gadget and does not draw attention to the design.
[Image 8
Size: Battery body W86 x D86 x H142mm
Charger W383×D86×H35mm
Body weight: 990g
Color: black, gray, brown, green
Release date: Monday, December 25, 2023
Price: Open price
[Click here for product details]
https://www.itoki.jp/press/2023/2311_wood.html
*”vertebra03 WOOD” will also be sold to general consumers. “hako” is a product for offices, and sales to general consumers have not yet been decided.
[Sakuhara Fumiko/FUMIKO SAKUHARA]
Interior stylist. After studying under Michiko Iwatate, she became independent in 1996. Mainly magazines, advertisements, catalogs, TV-CMs,
Focusing on styling for exhibitions, shop displays, film art, etc., she has been active in a wide range of areas, including directing new corporate projects, and is active on the front lines as an interior stylist in Japan. Her unique styling, which utilizes her flexible sensibilities and mixes various tastes, is well-received by both men and women. In his project “mountain morning,” he also develops original items with photographers, shops, brands, and artists he has close relationships with. It also holds irregular exhibitions and markets that embody its worldview.
[About Karimoku Furniture]
The origins of Karimoku Furniture date back to 1940, when founder Shohei Kato took over a long-standing lumber shop and started a small woodworking shop in Kariya City, Aichi Prefecture. They honed their skills by producing a variety of wooden products, and in the 1960s began selling their own wooden furniture. Advocating a manufacturing concept of “high-tech & high-touch” that combines advanced mechanical technology and craftsmanship, the company built a foundation in the wood production field and grew to become one of Japan’s leading wooden furniture manufacturers.
[About ITOKI’s workplace business]
Since its founding in 1890, ITOKI Co., Ltd. has stated its mission statement as “Designing tomorrow’s work.” ”, we have supported the creation of various “spaces,” “environments,” and “places” with a wide lineup of office furniture, logistics equipment, ICT/visual audio equipment, building materials, and interior equipment. After the coronavirus shock, we consider the entire working space to be a “working environment,” and in addition to products and services that create an environment where office workers can “work together,” we have also expanded the distribution of home furniture, etc. for home work and home study. We support the creation of a working environment in any space by providing a comprehensive range of products that support the working environment, as well as surveys and consulting services for companies’ work style strategies and working environment improvements.
[Contact information regarding this matter]
Itoki Co., Ltd. Product Management Department
MAIL: itk-pr＠itoki.jp