｢"Torii"the bench｣ Birch, Metal W1,280×D300×H425

Juha Hakala (Finland) Born in 1975 1997-98 Jurva College of Arts and Crafts, vocational school studies of cabinetmaking 1998- Seinjoki Polytechnic, School of Design (furniture design) 1999 Training in the studio of artist Markku Salo, Nuutajrvi, Finland 2001 Training in the studio of designer Simo Heikkila, Jyvskyl, Finalnd 2001 2.Prize Outdoor Furniture Design Competition, Avantgarden 2001 Fair in Turku, Finland Pekka Kolosalmi (Finland) Born in 1975 1995-98 Tyrv College of Arts and Crafts, vocational school studies of cabinetmaking 1998- Seinjoki Polytechnic, School of Design, (furniture design) 1999-2000 Training in P.K. Snowbird Ltd., Bangkok, Thailand (as a graphic designer) 2001 2.Prize Outdoor Furniture Design Competition, Avantgarden 2001 Fair in Turku, Finland

Work concept

The basic principle of the designing is to obtain a maximum utility at the price of minimum materials and energy. Simplicity is the major idea in "Torii" bench. "Torii" the bench is a chair - like furniture that obtains wider utility with less material and energy used than the basic chair or many other furniture. Up to three persons can sit on the bench at the same time. One can lie on the bench. The bench can be used as an individual piece of furniture, by the dining table and for many other purposes - a stand for stereos, TV, plants or whatever the user can think of. The bench is very functional at home and also in public spaces - especially in dining halls and multifunctional lecture/gymnastic halls as well as in all kinds of lobbies. The "Torii" bench is stackable straight up without any structural limits. The stack gets 10 cm higher per bench so it doesn't need much space. Because the bench is stackable and doesn't weigh much, it is also quick and easy to store. Modular structure is userfriendly. The bench can be assembled simply, quickly and without any special tools. Modular structure makes repairing the bench possible and simple if needed. Why don't we sit on the same bench instead of one chair each? The "Torii" bench helps you to get closer to other human beings and humanity. It is also one step on the way of global sustainable development. "Torii" - for entering to the intellectual world from the material world.

Comments

The work is user-friendly for its joint and stacking ability. It is almost perfect structurally. (Kita) The work is somewhat small-scaled as a bench, and lacking of forceful presence. However, the architectonics of the work is wonderful. (Kawakami) The bench is traditional and well organized. Its structure is well thought-out mechanically in every way. (Whiherheimo)