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Radiance of Nature with Urushi, | International Design Awards Winners

Radiance of Nature with Urushi

UniversityCentral Saint Martins, University of The Arts London

Lead DesignersYu Watanabe

Design TeamTakahiko Sato (Urushi artisan), Hiroaki Nakagawa (Bamboo artisan)

Project LocationLondon

Prize(s)Silver in Interior Designer Of The Year / Cultural, Gold in Cultural Interior Design / Cultural Lighting Design

Project LinkView

Entry Description

Urushi lacquer is produced from natural sap sustainably harvested in Japan. Unfortunately, the traditional craft of Urushi is in decline due to the emergence of alternative materials. This project aims to revitalise this craft and create a space that connects us with nature. Unlike the West, where people remove shadows from their space, the Japanese embrace shadows aesthetically as a part of beauty. Urushi has qualities that reflect even the smallest light. Through the arrangement of tree-like shapes, the play of light and shadows can immerse us in a microcosmic space reminiscent of nature.