Morph: The Future of Furniture Design

Unveiling the Award-Winning Side Table by Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan

Derived from the concept of traditional paper evolving into future paper technology, Morph is a testament to the power of innovation and design. The side table's dynamic contour, a morphing shape, symbolizes this transformation. The designers have ingeniously incorporated E-ink technology, primarily used in electronic books or tags, into the furniture surface. This allows the pattern to change automatically, creating a unique aesthetic that can adapt to different spaces and atmospheres.

Morph is not just about aesthetics; it's also about sustainability and functionality. The table is made from corrugated cardboard, a 100% recyclable material, and E-ink Prism, an electrical ink laminated film. The table top can change its pattern with very low electricity voltage, making it energy-efficient. The morphing form of the curvature, symbolizing the transition from traditional paper to new-generation electrical paper, is modeled in a 3D program and cut with a CNC machine. The result is a sturdy, eco-friendly piece of furniture that can transform any space.

But the creation of Morph was not without its challenges. The designers had to figure out how to incorporate the E-ink Prism system with the cardboard structure. This involved detailed scanning of the E-ink product and translating it into a digital file. Despite these hurdles, the team successfully fabricated the Morph, demonstrating their commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and technology.

Morph's innovative design and functionality have not gone unnoticed. The side table was awarded the Golden A' Furniture Design Award in 2017, a prestigious accolade granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations. This award is a testament to the designers' prodigy and wisdom, and their contribution to advancing art, science, design, and technology.

With Morph, Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan have set a new standard for furniture design. They have shown that it is possible to create a piece of furniture that is not only functional and sustainable but also capable of transforming its appearance to fit different spaces and moods. Morph is indeed a milestone in the field of digital fabrication and a beacon of what the future of furniture design could look like.