Fukasawa Focuses on Fluid Forms

Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa has made a name for himself with his minimalist product designs.

December 2nd, 2009

His iconic wall-mounted CD player, designed for Muji in 1999, secured his status a groundbreaking contemporary designer.

The understated simplicity of his work has garnered him multiple accolades in the design industry, and his ‘Grande Papilio Chair’ launched in Milan this year for B&B Italia is set to be as iconic as his previous designs.

The ultimate in relaxation comes in its signature throne-like form, which morphs and moulds to the anatomy with a fluid design carved out of the truck of an upside down cone.

The piece is covered by a single piece of fabric, removable thanks to the large metallic zip running down the chair’s back and available with an ottoman.

Referring to the spreading of the wings of the ‘Papilio’ – the butterfly shape is the result of an astute consideration by Fukasawa of how we relax, twisting to the left or fight, not remaining rigidly upright.

The ‘Grande Papilio’ by Naoto Fukasawa for B&B Italia, available exclusively from Space Furniture
(61 3) 9426 3000

grande papilio

grande papilio naoto

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