Jan Goderis' Japan Collection: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

Exploring the Intersection of Japanese Architecture and Modern Furniture Design

Belgian designer Jan Goderis takes inspiration from traditional Japanese architecture to create a unique and functional chair, part of his Japan Collection. This award-winning design merges simplicity, sustainability, and comfort, offering a fresh perspective on furniture design.

Jan Goderis' Japan Collection is a testament to the designer's innovative approach to furniture design. Drawing inspiration from the elegance and simplicity of traditional Japanese architecture, Goderis has created a chair that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The chair's design is characterized by a sophisticated interplay of proportions, combining a metal frame with wood and leather elements. The choice of materials and colors can be customized, allowing the chair to seamlessly integrate into a variety of interior settings.

The uniqueness of this design lies in its minimalistic approach. With a limited number of materials, Goderis has achieved maximum functionality. The use of a metal frame in conjunction with wood and leather not only provides durability but also contributes to the chair's sustainability. The designer has placed a strong emphasis on using ecological products and materials, including environmentally friendly lacquer and leather tanned with wood resin.

The chair's production process also reflects Goderis' commitment to simplicity and sustainability. Basic materials such as steel, wood, and leather are used, eliminating the need for expensive molds. Despite the simplicity of the materials, advanced technology is employed in the production process, including a 5-axis CNC woodworking machine for the legs and a CNC laser machine for the steel frame.

The chair's design is not only about aesthetics and sustainability but also about comfort. The basic shape of the chair has been developed from an ideal ergonomic and comfortable seat shape. When the seat and back are made in plastic, the form follows the contours of the body for an ideal sitting shape. This focus on ergonomics and comfort, combined with the chair's minimalistic design and sustainable production process, sets it apart from other furniture designs.

The Japan Collection was developed in early 2020, with the prototype ready by the end of the year in Ghent, Belgium. Now, Goderis is looking for a national or international company for production. This design is a testament to Goderis' innovative approach to furniture design, combining traditional inspiration with modern technology and sustainable practices. It's no surprise that this design was awarded Silver in the A' Furniture Design Award in 2021, a recognition given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Jan Goderis
Image Credits: Sonny Plasschaert
Project Team Members: Jan Goderis
Project Name: Japan
Project Client: Jan Goderis


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