Interview about Object Splash Proof Partition, winner of the A' Furniture Design Award 2022
Many of Covid-19's temporary splash-proof partitions are cheaply designed. So Akira Nakagomi designed a splash-proof partition to add color to life, rather than a cheap temporary one. It is a simple configuration of a circular acrylic supported by a bent brass rod, and the rod is fixed with a brass cylinder. Another set can also be connected and fixed around the brass weight. The Object is a product like an art piece that emphasizes both aesthetics and function. The Object is also sustainable in that it can be displayed as an art piece rather than being unnecessary after the Covid-19.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe development of Object emerged from a critical observation of how the pandemic transformed our living spaces. During initial research, I noticed that most COVID-19 partitions were designed with a temporary mindset, creating sterile and uninviting environments. This observation led me to question whether we could transform these necessary barriers into enduring pieces of art.Our conceptual development focused on three key elements: material selection, aesthetic permanence, and functional innovation. The choice of circular acrylic was deliberate, as its geometric perfection creates harmony while serving its protective purpose. The brass support structure was selected not only for its structural integrity but also for its ability to develop a beautiful patina over time.One of our major challenges was achieving the perfect gradient in the acrylic panels. Through experimentation, we discovered that varying the density of the color gradient could create different atmospheric effects depending on lighting conditions. This dynamic interaction with light transforms the partition from a functional object into an environmental art piece.The modular connection system was another crucial development. Rather than treating each partition as an isolated unit, we designed them to create new artistic compositions when combined. This approach allows for flexible spatial arrangements while maintaining aesthetic integrity.This design philosophy represents a broader vision about creating objects that transcend immediate utility. By incorporating principles of art and permanent aesthetics into necessary objects, we can reduce waste while elevating everyday experiences. Object demonstrates that even practical items born from crisis can be reimagined as enduring contributions to our visual environment.
The selection of materials and forms was the result of careful consideration and experimentation. The circular form creates a softer, more welcoming presence compared to traditional rectangular partitions. This shape minimizes the perceived barrier effect while maintaining effective protection.The choice of acrylic as the primary material was crucial as its transparency allows natural light transmission while offering protection, and its ability to hold subtle color gradients. We developed two distinct variants: one with smoked acrylic for modern, minimalist spaces, and another with color gradients that create more dramatic visual effects. The gradient technique required significant experimentation to achieve the perfect balance of color intensity and transparency.The brass support structure serves multiple purposes beyond its functional role. Its warm metallic tone creates a sophisticated contrast with the acrylic, adding depth to the overall composition. The brass elements were carefully proportioned to achieve visual lightness while ensuring structural stability. Over time, brass develops a natural patina, allowing the piece to evolve aesthetically as a permanent art piece rather than a temporary installation.The combination of these materials and forms reflects our commitment to creating objects that transcend immediate utility while honoring principles of timeless design. Each element was selected and engineered to contribute to both the immediate functionality and long-term artistic value of the piece, ensuring its relevance and appeal well beyond its initial purpose as a protective barrier.
Our extensive research into existing partition solutions revealed a critical gap in the market that profoundly influenced our design approach for Object. Visiting restaurants, offices, and public spaces showed that most existing solutions were characterized by three major limitations: temporary materials, purely utilitarian design approaches, and a lack of consideration for long-term spatial aesthetics.The observation of these temporary barriers provided valuable insights into what we wanted to avoid and what opportunities existed for innovation. Most existing partitions were made from lightweight plastics or simple acrylic sheets with basic support structures, often attached using temporary fixtures or provisional bases. While these solutions met immediate safety requirements, they contributed to visual clutter in carefully designed spaces, increased plastic waste, and served as constant reminders of disruption to normal life.A particularly enlightening discovery was how these temporary barriers affected people's psychological well-being. Traditional partitions created a sense of isolation and sterility in spaces designed for social interaction and comfort. This observation became a crucial turning point in our design process, leading us to focus on creating a solution that would bridge safety requirements and environmental psychology.These insights collectively shaped our decision to pursue a design that transforms temporary inconvenience into permanent spatial enhancement. The research phase helped us bridge the gap between immediate necessity and enduring design value, resulting in a product that continues to contribute positively to spaces long after its protective purpose is fulfilled.
The development of Object's modular connectivity system presented complex challenges in maintaining both functionality and visual elegance. The primary engineering challenge lay in creating a connection system that would be both structurally sound and visually minimal. Traditional partition systems often rely on obvious mechanical connections that interrupt the visual flow, and we aimed for a different approach.One of the most critical aspects was maintaining perfect alignment between connected units. The circular form, while visually striking, presented unique challenges in ensuring that multiple units would align perfectly when connected. We developed a sophisticated calibration system within the base structure that allows for minute adjustments, ensuring that when two or more units are joined, they create a seamless visual flow.The system also needed to address practical concerns such as stability and ease of assembly. We engineered the connection points to distribute weight evenly across the structure, preventing any stress on the acrylic panels. The brass supports were carefully calculated to maintain structural integrity whether the unit stands alone or is part of a larger configuration.The success of the modular system ultimately lies in its ability to create new aesthetic possibilities while maintaining the original design's integrity. When multiple units are connected, they form larger geometric compositions that enhance the artistic impact while maintaining functional effectiveness. This adaptability allows Object to serve both as individual statement pieces and as components of larger architectural installations.
Receiving the Gold A' Design Award has profoundly influenced my perspective on product design, reinforcing the importance of creating solutions that transcend immediate functionality to address broader cultural and social needs. This international recognition has validated our approach to transforming utilitarian objects into enduring pieces of functional art.The award has particular significance in the context of the pandemic, where many solutions focused solely on immediate safety concerns. Object demonstrated that protective equipment could be reimagined as a catalyst for positive spatial transformation. This recognition has encouraged me to further explore the intersection of necessity and aesthetic permanence in my design practice.Furthermore, this acknowledgment has emphasized the importance of considering the complete lifecycle of products born from crisis situations. Rather than accepting temporary solutions, we should strive to create enduring value that continues to enhance spaces and experiences long after the initial need has passed.This recognition has opened new dialogues with international designers and organizations about the role of design in crisis response and long-term spatial enhancement. It has reinforced the importance of investing time in research and development to create products that not only solve immediate problems but also contribute to the aesthetic and cultural fabric of our environments.
The integration of the wooden flower vase feature represents a thoughtful evolution in our design philosophy, transforming a protective barrier into a living, breathing element of spatial design. This addition was inspired by key observations and design principles that enhance the product's long-term value and adaptability.The concept emerged from our observation that traditional partitions often created static, lifeless boundaries between spaces. By incorporating a flower vase element, we introduced a dynamic, organic component that brings nature into the designed environment. The wooden vase feature serves multiple purposes: it acts as a counterpoint to the industrial materials of acrylic and brass, adds warmth through its natural material, and creates an opportunity for seasonal decoration and personalization.From a functional perspective, the vase feature transforms the partition from a purely protective element into an active contributor to spatial atmosphere. Users can change flowers seasonally, creating dynamic displays that reflect the changing rhythms of nature and add life to interior spaces. This adaptability ensures the product's relevance beyond its protective function, as it becomes an integral part of interior decoration and space planning.This addition has proven particularly valuable in hospitality and residential settings, where the ability to incorporate fresh flowers or dried arrangements adds a layer of sophistication and personalization to the protective barrier. The feature has extended Object's lifecycle well beyond the pandemic context, transforming it into a permanent piece of functional art that continues to enhance spaces through its combination of protection, aesthetics, and natural elements.
My background in experimental design played a crucial role in pushing the boundaries of material applications and manufacturing techniques in Object's development. This experience provided the foundation for innovative problem-solving and material exploration that was essential to achieving our design goals.The development of the gradient effect in the acrylic panels was perhaps the most direct application of my experimental design experience. Traditional manufacturing methods couldn't achieve the subtle color transitions we envisioned, so we developed a proprietary technique through extensive iterations and careful testing. This process involved experimenting with different application methods, temperatures, and color compositions to achieve the perfect balance of transparency and color distribution that would create the desired atmospheric effect while maintaining the material's protective properties.Working with brass presented its own set of challenges that required experimental approaches. The precise angle and curvature of the brass supports needed to be exactly right to achieve both structural stability and visual lightness. We experimented with various bending techniques and heat treatments to develop a manufacturing process that could consistently produce the precise curves required while maintaining the material's structural integrity.This experimental design background enabled us to view each challenge as an opportunity for innovation beyond immediate problem-solving. This mindset contributed to Object's unique character as both a functional barrier and an enduring piece of art.
The sustainability aspect of Object represents a fundamental shift in how we approach the design of protective equipment, emphasizing the transformation from temporary utility to permanent artistic value. This transition strategy was carefully considered from the earliest stages of development, incorporating multiple layers of sustainability thinking.The primary sustainability feature lies in the product's inherent adaptability and longevity. Unlike conventional protective barriers designed for temporary use, Object was engineered with a dual-life cycle in mind. The first phase serves its immediate protective function during pandemic conditions, while the second phase transforms it into a permanent artistic installation. This approach directly addresses the environmental concerns of disposable barriers by creating a product that maintains its value and utility well beyond its initial purpose.The material selection process was crucial to this sustainability strategy. Materials were chosen not only for their immediate functional properties but also for their ability to age gracefully and maintain their aesthetic appeal over time. The brass components, for instance, develop a natural patina that enhances their beauty, while the high-grade acrylic maintains its clarity and color stability for years.Looking ahead, we envision Object continuing to evolve in its role as permanent installations in various settings. The pieces may be integrated into architectural projects, used as room dividers in flexible office spaces, or become focal points in residential interiors. This adaptability ensures that the product represents a more sustainable approach to design that considers both immediate needs and long-term environmental impact.
Through the development of Object, we gained profound insights into how necessity and beauty can enhance each other when thoughtfully integrated. This project challenged the conventional wisdom that emergency solutions must prioritize function at the expense of aesthetics.One of our key discoveries was that incorporating beauty into necessary objects has a significant psychological impact on users. Traditional protective barriers, while functional, often created feelings of isolation and anxiety. By contrast, Object's aesthetic elements – the subtle color gradients, the warmth of brass, and the organic circular form – helped reduce these negative psychological effects while maintaining the same level of protection.The project also brought insights about the temporal nature of necessity. While most protective equipment was designed with the assumption of temporary use, we discovered that creating beauty in necessary objects opens up possibilities for long-term value.Moreover, people's response to Object differed markedly from standard barriers. They were more likely to maintain it properly, position it thoughtfully in their spaces, and consider it part of their interior design rather than a temporary inconvenience. This behavior shift suggested that beauty can actually enhance the longevity and effectiveness of necessary objects.
Object suggests a paradigm shift in how we approach protective elements in interior spaces, pointing towards a more integrated and aesthetically considered design philosophy. This evolution in thinking has implications that extend far beyond the pandemic context, potentially influencing the broader field of interior architecture and spatial design.Most significantly, we expect to see a fundamental shift away from the binary thinking that separates protective elements from decorative ones. Object has demonstrated that safety features can be seamlessly integrated into the aesthetic language of a space. This integration suggests a future where protective elements are considered from the earliest stages of interior design, rather than being added as afterthoughts.Furthermore, Object's modularity highlights the importance of flexibility in future spatial design. As spaces increasingly need to adapt to different uses and safety requirements, we anticipate growing demand for protective elements that can be reconfigured while maintaining their visual harmony. This could lead to new approaches in movable architecture and adaptable spaces.Ultimately, Object represents a new way of thinking about protective design that could influence how we approach similar challenges in the future. Whether responding to health concerns, security needs, or environmental protection, the principle of combining functionality with enduring aesthetic value provides a framework for creating solutions that enrich rather than compromise our spatial experiences.
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