By Pauline Joy M. Gutierrez
‘Everything in life is interconnected,” Naoto Fukasawa said a couple of hours before he shared his “without thought” and “design dissolving in behavior” philosophies at the B&B Italia design forum held recently at Bonifacio Global City.
Dressed in a crisp navy suit, the design guru explained: “People shouldn’t really have to think about an object when they’re using it. Not having to think about it makes the relationship between person and object more smooth.”
The creative genius, likewise, elaborated on the intricacies behind the signature collections of simple clean lines he curated for Italian furniture brand B&B Italia, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. In so few words, Fukasawa synthesized the seemingly contrasting metaphors of striking furniture and minimalist design.
Long-lasting concepts and designs are of paramount importance in the furniture industry. What Fukasawa wants to create are modest pieces that can withstand the test of time (and trends), while incorporating the unique tastes of his clientele in each of the furniture he brings to spatial life.
Among these pieces are some of his celebrated designs, like the Papilio range of armchairs, sofas and beds showcased in the B&B showroom that should help homemakers attain a sense of simple contemporary lifestyle through classic and iconic home pieces.
Evoking its namesake, the Papilio’s unmistakable sculpted profile features an enveloping back that seems to open like butterfly wings. The structure is that of a carved-out block of material from which its inverted truncated cone shape derives. This chair collection is available in polypropylene shell, or padded and upholstered in a wide range of fabrics and leather. According to Fukasawa, this particular feature is a response to the way people use their mobile phones and tablet computers. The introduction of technology basically expands enormously the possibilities of design, thus changing the types of furniture people use at home.
He also created the Shelf-X storage/shelving systems in modern geometrical lines, designed to fit into the minimalist flow of an urban home. These systems are available in four sizes and different configurations, of which one is designed for wall mounting. The other three can even double up as a stylish partition or screen to an unbroken space.
Meanwhile, Awa, an asymmetrically low table made to complement any sofa or bed, is made of Cristalplant material, which gives its surface a refined and soft texture.
There are also the Siena and the Titikaka for trend shoppers. The Siena bed projects an image of airiness with the base that defines the entire perimeter of the bed, while the backrest is inclined to offer an ideal relaxing position. According to agents from Focus Global Inc., B&B Italia’s official distributor, the extra space of the inclined headboard can become a convenient space to place books or accessories. Made from teak with aluminum frames, the Titikaka bench, meanwhile, speaks of the ripples of the Bolivian lake as the “wind touches the water.” Its one unique feature can be seen in its curved lines and wavy projections that defy traditional rigid benches.
“We try to create something valuable in terms of aesthetics, quality and commercial value,” Paulo Ravelli said, Asia sales manager of B&B Italia.
“Fukasawa is among one of the talents/architects we have partnered with to help the company translate ideas into forms.”
Ravelli added, “People want a higher level of quality in everything—in food, in travel, especially in their personal spaces. B&B Italia, together with the Naoto Fukasawa design team, wants to upgrade its experience in that one particular area. We invest a lot in research and development of material. We also encourage architects from different profiles to send us their sketches, 3D renderings and proposals, so that we can find common ground and create something noteworthy.”
Fukasawa started his collaboration with B&B Italia in 2005. Their partnership led to the creation of international projects and some of the most successful lines of furniture that are available in the Philippines exclusively through Focus Global Inc.