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Tokyo Fotelja za odmor by Isabelle De Mari

Tokyo Fotelja za odmor by Isabelle De Mari is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Srebrna nagrada A' Design Award in Dizajn Namještaja Competition Category.


SrebroNamještaj· 2026

Tokyo Fotelja za odmor

by Isabelle De Mari

Client: Olho Moveis Autorais

Srebrna nagrada A' Design Award Winner in Namještaj Category

Colors

The Design

About Tokyo Fotelja za odmor

Tokyo je fotelja za odmor izrađena od masivnog brazilskog tvrdog drveta sukupira. Okvir je potpuno izložen, prikazujući stolarske spojeve i oblikovane drvene dijelove. Rukonasloni i oslonci naslona tokareni su na strugu pod ručnom kontrolom, s konkavnim detaljima na krajevima. Umetak od prirodne kože ugrađen je u svaki rukonaslon i završen prošivanjem. Jastuci sjedišta i naslona kombinuju slojevitu poliuretansku pjenu i punjenje od perja, presvučeni smeđim lanenim platnom. Površine su ručno brušene i završene mat lakom. Dizajn primjenjuje japanske principe obrade drveta na brazilski materijal.

The Recognition

About the Srebrna nagrada A' Design Award

Tokyo Fotelja za odmor je pobjednik Srebrne nagrade A' Design Award, izuzetno prestižnog priznanja koje se dodjeljuje vrhunskim, veličanstvenim i impresivnim dizajnima. Srebrni pobjednici iznimno su briljantna i vrlo kreativna djela koja ilustriraju izuzetnu stručnost, talent i oštroumnost svojih dizajnera. Očekuje se da Tokyo Fotelja za odmor bude divno, reprezentativno djelo koje je izuzetno profesionalno i duboko inovativno. Ovaj dizajn koji je osvojio Srebrnu nagradu A' Design Award vrlo je zapažen, nadaleko cijenjen izum koji koristi i pomjera granice umjetnosti, nauke, dizajna i tehnologije. Tokyo Fotelja za odmor je kreacija kojoj se mnogi dive i zavide, koja budi želje, donosi pozitivne osjećaje i raspiruje čuđenje i divljenje.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties
Tokyo asserts craftsmanship as structure and expression. Defined by its fully exposed wooden frame in solid Brazilian sucupira, the lounge chair reveals precision woodworking through manually operated lathe-turned arms with subtle concave detailing at the ends. An inlaid leather armrest refines the tactile experience, balancing substantial material presence with aesthetic lightness and disciplined form.
Dimensions & Packaging
Dimensions: 700 mm W x 800 mm D x 700 mm H.
Weight: approximately 30 kg.
Structure: solid sucupira wood.
Armrests with recessed natural leather inlay and stitching.
Seat and back cushions with layered foam and feather filling, upholstered in brown linen.
Finish: matte acrylic varnish.
Non disassemblable construction.
Tags
Lounge chair, Solid wood furniture, Japanese craftsmanship, Brazilian sucupira, Exposed structure, Artisanal woodworking, Contemporary seating, Minimalist design, Leather inlay
Production Technology
Tokyo is manufactured in certified solid Brazilian sucupira hardwood. Structural components are precision machined, with arms and back supports shaped on a mechanically driven lathe under manual control. Armrests incorporate recessed detailing for flush leather inlay. Elements are hand sanded to refine concave terminations. The base is assembled from solid planks with radiused edges. Upholstery combines multi density polyurethane foam and feather filling. Finished with water based matte varnish.
Design Challenge
The main challenge was achieving formal discipline while working with substantial volumes of solid wood. Balancing structural mass with refined proportion required precise control during lathe shaping and manual finishing. Internally, the project sought to reinterpret Japanese woodworking principles within a Brazilian material context. Externally, contemporary production constraints demanded efficiency without compromising craft integrity, requiring careful coordination between technique, material and artisanal execution.
Research
Research focused on refining solid sucupira structure through controlled manual processes. The objective was to test how lathe shaped components and proportional studies could enhance structural precision. Methodology included full scale prototyping and ergonomic evaluation. Data was collected through physical mockups and material testing. Experiments centered on hand guided finishing. Results confirmed durability and refined surface quality, reinforcing craft driven production in contemporary furniture.
Inspiration
Tokyo was inspired by the principles of Japanese woodworking, where precision, restraint and respect for material define construction. The project explores how substantial volumes of solid wood can achieve visual lightness through disciplined detailing and controlled form. By prioritizing hand guided processes, even when using mechanical tools, the design embraces an a mano approach, valuing the artisan gesture over automated production.
Project Duration
The project started in July 2025 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and was completed in October 2025. It was officially launched in November 2025 as part of the Tokyo Collection, a broader furniture series inspired by Japanese culture and craftsmanship.
Operation Flow
Tokyo is experienced as a balance between structure and comfort. The solid wood frame provides visual stability, while the layered cushions offer a soft and supportive seat. The recessed leather armrest enhances tactile contact, creating a refined resting point for the hands. Its proportions encourage a relaxed posture without excess, allowing the user to feel supported by craftsmanship rather than hidden structure.
Team Members
Designer: Isabelle De Mari
Designer: Filipe Melo

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