Torafu Architects

I just discovered the work of Tokyo-based Torafu architects. The group has created some really innovative, wonderful interiors including this unique alteration of the Boolean Cafe at the University of Tokyo and these clever mdf wall cut-outs for the Claska Hotel. (via omami via yatzer)

Two for One: Keiko Okamoto

Ugh...these photos look like they were taken from a 1980's German fine dining magazine. Sadly, they are the only pictures I could find of Japanese designer Keiko Okamoto's very cool glassware. Conceived as two cups in one, the inner piece can be used along with the stem or taken out as hand held tumbler - creating a cup for you and a cup for a friend.

Sparks: Reiko Sudo

To call Reiko Sudo a mastermind of textiles would probably be an understatement. The Japanese designer is world-renowned for her her innovative, visionary fabrics - although I hadn't even heard of her until a few years ago. Now, whenever I'm feeling low on creativity I can look to her work and feel inspired.

Sudo is fearless when it comes to experimentation - she folds her fabric, dissolves it, and in the image above, burns it. She created the cloth by weaving very thin strands of stainless steel together and then holding it over an open flame.

My favorites though, are the textiles from her 'Scrapyard' series. In this project she left nails, barbed wire and iron plates (shown above) out in the elements to rust. Some people fight rust, others embrace it. MoMa has a nice video Reiko Sudo creating the pieces in her 'Scrapyard' series here.

Some Assembly Required: Takehiro Ando

I know felt has been one of the materials du jour lately, but I just don't think I'll ever get tired of it. It's way too versatile and, in many ways sustainable, for it to be purely dismissed as a trend. That being said, I love the new 'Cuma' and 'Cross' products being shown by Takehiro Ando at the Salone Satellite in Milan.

The felt shapes come in packs of 20, 50 and 100, allowing the user to create their own fun forms. Whether that be a curtain of crosses, a lampshade of clustered cumas or a circular throw is up to you. Whether you want to pay roughly $1 a piece for a felt cut-out is also up to you - but hey, why a put a price tag on fun? (via pan-dan)

Terunobu Fujimori: Future Friend

I'd like to think that if I had the chance to meet Terunobu Fujimori, we would become good friends. In Japan Fujimori is a well-known figure, however he doesn't really seem to have received the international attention he deserves. In stark contrast to the high-tech image of modern day Japan, Fujimori chooses to work with natural materials - stone, wood, tree bark and most notably, plants.

His structures have included everything from pine trees (above) to roofs and walls covered in chives, dandelions and grass. Don't mistake Fujimori for a green roof guru though; his work is more the result of his aesthetic intentions than energy saving ideals. His style reminds me of houses from a lost world - in a sort of surreal, storybook fantasy, dream-treehouse kind of way.

Fujimori is also one of the founding members of the Roadway Observation Society (ROJO), a group of friends who seek out and document the often overlooked little details of our urban landscape. I love these ROJO photos, it's inspiring me to start my own band of merry wanderers right here in Denver. Maybe I'll even send Fujimori a letter.

Time Paper

I don't really like clocks and I certainly wouldn't condone using up valuable wall space to display some clunky time piece. But I suppose if you really need time staring you in the face, then 'Time Paper' by D-Bros would be an acceptable option. The beauty of this product lies in it's simplicity. A clock that you can fold up, doodle on, pin to your bulletin board...in other words a clock that doesn't take itself too seriously. That, I can support.

Mobile Dining

Thanks to designklub correspondent Jesse for pointing out this one. When I first saw Nobuhiro Teshima's Mobile Dining project, I admittedly glanced at the seemingly bulky frame and passed it right by. But Jesse's enthusiasm made me go back for a closer look.

'Mobile Dining' offers more than just storage space. It actually contains a full scale fold-out table which reveals itself through a series of ingenious accordion extensions. And while the table does seem to sit a bit low, what apartment dweller doesn't want a magical table for hosting the occasional large dinner party? Or for crafting and board game tourneys? The key is, space, and this clever little cabinet offers a lot more than meets the eye.

Textile + Music

I just discovered the wonderful patterns of Japanese textile designer Yuji Mizuta. His company, Textile+Music, has been creating fabrics since 2001 and his collection has grown to include a line of bags, pillows and lovely little journals. His work kind of reminds me of Alexander Girard's - a definite vintage twist. I especially like the 'Gulliver's Travels' and 'Insist On a Right' collections...

Metaphys

Not sure if I'll get to posting again until Sunday, since hopefully I'll be heading into the mountains. So here's two for tomorrow. I first saw Metaphys on MoCo Loco last year and have been checking in on the Japanese company ever since. Their 'Factory' and 'Frame' planters are perfect for adding some green to the great indoors. The pieces can be stacked, hung or simply laid flat on your coffee table.

Another nice Metaphys item is their 'Node' wall outlet. You can't use it in the US - but in Japan they have flat plugs, so they get the stylish outlets. The smart little system allows you to fit numerous plugs within its grooves and it can sense/warn you of upcoming power surges.

Architecture Against Death

Most people imagine their later years in a nice home, surrounded by comfort and calm. Not so if you live in Shusaku Arakawa and Madeline Gin's 'Reversible Destiny Lofts'. The architects have created a nine-unit building in the Mitaka suburb of Tokyo which aims to keep its elderly residents on their toes. Filled with bright colors, the lofts also have lopsided floors, hidden electrical switches and absolutely zero closet space. "[The apartment] makes you alert and awakens instincts, so you'll live better, longer and even forever," says Arakawa. That's a lofty promise, but an intriguing idea nonetheless.