Kawadoko

Bench for Chieh Nan Ko Architects

The concept of the design comes from Kawadoko, which are platforms built over the river in Japan during the summer, where people could cool down by the running river. Like Kawadoko, this bench aims to provide a relaxing atmosphere, bringing coolness into daily life. Components of this bench are inspired by the traditional wooden architecture. The long gaps between the seat create a cool and well-ventilated sitting experience, and users can easily sit cross-legged or even lie down to rest.

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Kawadoko by Shih An Ko

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Bench by Shih An Ko

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Shih An Ko Kawadoko

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Shih An Ko Bench

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Kawadoko Bench Press Releases

Discover our press releases for Kawadoko available in the following languages: English.

Kawadoko Bench Media Articles

For immediate use: Kawadoko articles, available in languages such as Italian, German, French, Portuguese, English, Korean, Indonesian, Japanese, Russian, Chinese (Mandarin), Spanish, Turkish, Arabic (Standard), Hindi and Dutch, to enrich your content.

Unique Properties

Inspired by the memories of kawadoko, this bench is specially designed for escaping from the summer heat. The long gaps between the seat create a cool and well-ventilated sitting experience, and the rods that make up the seat are cut into flat surfaces to ensure comfort, while the edges remain circular, similar to the shape of bamboo, and serve as handles when moving the chair.

Tags

bench, summer, nature, furniture

Production Technology

Production: tenon and mortise techniques, woodturning Material: white oak

Design Challenge

The biggest challenge is the making of the 1.5 meters-long wooden rods, which requires customized jigs to stabilize during the making process. And the burnt marks on the curved surface, after several attempts,have been successfully erased using certain techniques.

Project Duration

The project started in August, 2020 and finished in January, 2021, Taiwan.

Operation Flow

The scale and dimension of this project has been carefully arranged to achieve a friendly user experience. The width of the bench is wider than the average, so that user can easily sit cross-legged or even lie down to rest. The height of the shelf is in exact position where the hands are naturally dropping,which means anything on the shelf are within reach.the round rods serve as handles when moving the bench. In addition, a foldable cushion can be used during winter to ensure comfort.

Research

The project has explored the wooden structure of traditional Japanese architecture, and transformed it into the constructive concept of the design. Another research is about the relevance between furniture and human body scale,and how our body reacts in different circumstances, as these are the factors that refined the prototype in the process.

Inspiration

Kawadoko, which mean river floors, are patios built over the river by restaurants in Kibune during the summer. While kawadoko are temporary, they are quite sturdy-built with wood and bamboo. In Kibune, people are only a few feet above the river as they can enjoy the sound of water, the breeze, and the mist. Thinking Kawadoko as a pleasant escape from the summer heat, the design aims to evoke memories of kawadoko, bringing a sense of coolness into daily life.

Project Overview

Kawadoko Bench has been a Bronze winner in the Furniture Design award category in the year 2020 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Bronze A' Design Award is given to outstanding designs that showcase a high degree of creativity and practicality. It recognizes the dedication and skill of designers who produce work that stands out for its thoughtful development and innovative use of materials and technology. These designs are acknowledged for their professional execution and potential to influence industry standards positively. Winning this award highlights the designer's ability to blend form and function effectively, offering solutions that enhance people's lives and wellbeing.

Image Credits

For design images and photos please credit Shih An Ko.

Bronze Recognition

Shih An Ko was recognized with the coveted Bronze A' Design Award in 2021, a testament to excellence of their work Kawadoko Bench.

Shih An Ko Press Releases

Our press releases on Shih An Ko and their work are made freely available for press members looking to add depth to their content. For immediate journalistic use: 1 press releases are available right now.

Introducing Kawadoko: A Bench Inspired by Japanese River Platforms

Shih An Ko's Kawadoko Bench Brings Coolness and Comfort into Daily Life

Shih An Ko Newsroom

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