We explore two pieces by Japanese designer Taku Kumazawa whose products, designed for commercial applications, are now available in Australia.

Clean lines and simple functionality define the work of Taku Kumazawa, Head of New Product Development and Associate Director for the Design Development Group at AICHI.

 

Kumazawa, whose products have received a staggering 11 Japanese Good Design Awards, designs furniture for relaxing spaces in educational and public facilities.

Among his best known pieces is the Tipo, a high density multi-purpose mesh stacking chair, which comes with a choice of three backs and two seats.

 

 

Weighing just 3.5 kilograms, the Tipo can stack up to 40 chairs high. Here an integrated linking device in the sled base eliminates the need for additional components.

Chairs can be linked together for waiting room seating, and the red dot award-winning range also encompasses a mesh stacking stool.

Functional and comfortable, the Tipo’s ergonomic qualities are accentuated with a waterfall mesh seat, flexible back, and a torsion bar frame allowing for lots of leg room beneath seats.

 

From seating to desk space, Kumazawa has conquered the balance between usability and flexibility with the CTZ flip-top table.

Its unique leg design incorporates die cast aluminium for strength and high precision, while the parallel stack design enables table legs to stack in a compact and attractive way.

Winner of the Good Design Award in Japan, CTZ features a patented synchro top mechanism which enables leg stoppers (brakes) to rise and lower with the movement of the tabletop.

 

Height-adjustable castors compensate for uneven floors.

Desktop accessories are cleverly incorporated into the design, with hooks on both ends for hanging handbags, and a basic storage shelf when the top is folded down.

A cable management system and modesty panel is also optional with the table.

 

Products by Taku Kumazawa for AICHI are available in Australia through Ke-Zu.

KE-ZU
kezu.com.au