Dimension in the Shadows: A New Perspective on Calendars

Emi Kawasaki and Daisuke Kodama's Innovative Calendar Design

The design is a set of 12 laser-cut black paperboard cards, each representing a different month. The cards are mounted on a wooden cube, creating a striking silhouette that changes with the light. This dynamic aspect of the design adds an element of entertainment to everyday life, as the shadow cast by the calendar changes throughout the day.

Each card is intricately designed, with the dates cut out to represent different days of the week. The designers used two power levels of laser to differentiate between weekends and weekdays, adding another layer of detail to the design. The calendar is not only a functional tool but also a piece of art, with each card representing a scene from the changing seasons in Japan.

The creation of this design was not without its challenges. The designers initially planned to use a technique that would allow light to shine through certain parts of the paper, but this proved to be too time-consuming and costly. Instead, they opted for a half-cutting technique for the dates and redesigned some parts with thin lines, resulting in a design that is both feasible and visually stunning.

The "Dimension in the Shadows" calendar is more than just a way to keep track of dates. It is a celebration of design and creativity, a reminder of the beauty in everyday objects, and a testament to the designers' dedication to their craft. It has been recognized for its innovation and excellence, winning the Platinum A' Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design Award in 2021.

Emi Kawasaki and Daisuke Kodama's design is a reminder that even the most mundane objects can be transformed into works of art. Their calendar is not just a tool for marking time, but a piece of sculpture that changes with the light, bringing a touch of beauty and creativity to everyday life.