Seiji Oguri and Yohei Oki of Japanese Design Studio id inc have launched Gradation/ Texture, a collection of products for the home made using industrial processes and materials.
The collection comprises Gradation Lamp, Gradation Chair, Gradation Tray, Texture Tray and Texture Stone, all of which are made from steel.
The base and inside of the share of the Gradation Lamp are a different colour from the rest of the lamp, an effect caused by heat treating the steel. The colour difference is highlighted when the lamp is switched on.
"I visited several metal processing factories in Yokohama City and wanted to create a range of original products that expressed the advanced skills that I saw there," said Oguri.
"As a result, I focused on gradation and textures which are collaboratively manufactured by companies with different characteristics. I thought that using the methods not usually seen by the public would create a fresh impression."
The square tubular legs of the Gradation Chair gradually change into a circular tube that forms the backrest. The chair is made using a combination of industrial skills such as pipe bending, machine cutting and welding.
The Texture Tray is patterned using a coating process called shot blasting, which creates a tactile irregular surface.
The Texture Stones are either accessory cases or cord holders in a shape of large pebbles – the same coating process creates an attractive texture, which tempts people to touch and hold it. "Although the whole collection takes advantage of the strength of metal, each product leaves a soft impression," said the designer.
The products are made for id inc by metal processing companies within Yokohama Makers Village. id inc is a multidisciplinary Japanese design office founded in June 2013 by Seiji Oguri and Yohei Oki have worked for Nendo.
