Owl Chair: Nurturing Creativity in Children

A Unique Furniture Design Inspired by Japanese Traditions

Japan, a country known for its limited resources and rich culture, has always found innovative ways to excel under restrained circumstances. Taking inspiration from the Japanese traditions of Furoshiki and Origami, designer Satoshi Itasaka of h220430 created the Owl Chair, a furniture piece that aims to nurture children's creativity, which is crucial for shaping our future.

The Owl Chair is a result of the designer's belief that children need something designed specifically for them to continue imagining and creating. By experimenting with the transformation of a flat plane into a chair, this unique design stimulates the creativity of children, encouraging them to think outside the box.

One of the remarkable features of the Owl Chair is its ease of assembly. Children can build this chair with their own hands, without the need for any tools or additional parts. Made from a single piece of EVA lumber, similar to the art of origami, the chair showcases the designer's intention to create a piece that stimulates a child's imagination by transforming a flat planar shape into a three-dimensional object.

The choice of EVA material for the chair is not only lightweight and flexible but also safe for children. With its superior durability and various color variations, the material ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for children. Additionally, the material is highly recyclable, environmentally friendly, and does not generate dioxins, making it suitable for children who play an important role in shaping the future.

The Owl Chair's design also takes into consideration practicality and space-saving. It can be easily returned to a planar shape, allowing for convenient storage even in small spaces. This feature not only saves energy and cost during shipment but also promotes a clutter-free environment.

Produced by the design labo.inc, the Owl Chair was realized through meticulous research and creative problem-solving. Overcoming challenges in cost control, the design team successfully created a furniture piece that combines functionality, creativity, and safety for children.

The Owl Chair received recognition for its exceptional design and innovation. It was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in the Baby, Kids, and Children's Products Design category in 2013. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise, innovation, and artistic skill, evoking positive emotions and wonder.

The Owl Chair, with its roots in Japanese traditions and its focus on nurturing children's creativity, is a testament to the power of design in shaping a rich and enjoyable life for our future generations.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: h220430
Image Credits: h220430
Project Team Members: Produced by the design labo .inc
Project Name: Owl Chair
Project Client: h220430


Owl Chair IMG #2
Owl Chair IMG #3
Owl Chair IMG #4
Owl Chair IMG #5
Owl Chair IMG #5

Read More on Design Radiant