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Tokyo Multifunctional nga Bangko by Joao Teixeira

Tokyo Multifunctional nga Bangko by Joao Teixeira is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award nga Bulawan in Disenyo sa Muwebles Competition Category.


BulawanMuwebles· 2026

Tokyo Multifunctional nga Bangko

by Joao Teixeira

Client: Oftwise

A' Design Award nga Bulawan Winner in Muwebles Category

Colors

The Design

About Tokyo Multifunctional nga Bangko

Ang Tokyo usa ka multifunctional nga bangko nga gidisenyo alang sa mga agianan sa pagsulod sa balay. Gikombinar sa Tokyo ang lingkoranan uban sa usa ka shoe rack, aron ang mga sapin, mga bag ug mga adlaw-adlaw nga butang matipigan sulod sa gamay nga luna. Ang usa ka kurbado nga ibabaw nga tray nagsunod sa linya sa kutson ug nagbutang sa mga adlaw-adlaw nga mga butang. Ang bangko hinimo sa pressed nga FSC birch plywood nga adunay natural nga oak veneer, gigiling pinaagi sa CNC alang sa katukma ug gihuman sa dili makahilo nga mga lana. Ang kutson gibutangan og tela nga recycled polyester. Ang Tokyo gipadala nga flat packed ug mahimong i-assemble sa usa ka tawo gamit ang napulo ka turnilyo.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award nga Bulawan

Tokyo Multifunctional nga Bangko usa ka mananaog sa A' Design Award nga Bulawan, usa ka hilabihan ka prestihiyoso nga pag-ila nga gihatag sa unang-klase, katingalahan, ug bantogan nga mga disenyo. Ang mga mananaog sa Bulawan labihan ka bag-o, daghan og panan-aw, ug nagsidlak nga mga paglalang nga nagpakita sa henyo, kinaadman, ug kahanas sa ilang mga tigdesinyo. Gilauman nga ang Tokyo Multifunctional nga Bangko mahimong labing gidayeg, nagtakda og uso, ug monumental nga imbento nga naghatag og bili nga wala pa makita. Kini nga disenyo nga nakadaog og A' Design Award nga Bulawan usa ka makapahingangha ug gitahod nga proyekto nga labihan ka mapuslanon ug nagpalapad sa mga utlanan sa arte, siyensya, disenyo, ug teknolohiya. Tokyo Multifunctional nga Bangko nagmugna og kusog nga mga pagbati sa kaibog, nagpukaw og kahinam, nagdasig sa pagkamamugnaon, ug nagbihag kanato.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties
Tokyo’s most unique feature is the contrast between its visual lightness and functional versatility. The design pushes the boundaries of manufacturing, featuring curves engineered at the absolute radius limit. This precision creates a singular, flowing silhouette that is incredibly difficult for competitors to replicate. This sophisticated approach opens room for signature details such as its distinctive top tray.
Dimensions & Packaging
The assembled design has Width 945 mm x Depth 400 mm x Height 465 mm.
The design ships in a flat pack format to improve logistics and can be assembled by a single person in less than 5 minutes by laying out all plywood components and cushion on the floor to connect them by driving a total of 10 screws.
Tags
Multifunctional, Shoe Rack, Bench, Product Design, Furniture Design, Plywood Furniture
Production Technology
The design is manufactured from pressed FSC Birch Plywood with natural Oak veneer. After pressing, each component is CNC milled for precision. All wooden parts are finished with non-toxic oils. Chosen for its sturdiness, birch plywood ensures a long-lasting design that minimizes its eco-footprint. The cushion is upholstered in 100% recycled polyester, a high-performance and easy-to-clean fabric that ensures the bench remains inviting in high-traffic entryways.
Design Challenge
Beyond aesthetics, the hardest task was making a premium product truly affordable. This required simplifying the construction to keep it sturdy and long-lasting without driving up the price. Logistically, the project bridged manufacturers in Greece and Portugal. Coordinating these stages demanded rigorous precision and seamless remote communication to ensure the plywood and upholstery aligned perfectly. This process proved that cross-border collaboration can yield a refined, cost-effective result.
Research
Research involved a behavioral study of urban dwellings with the goal of solving storage challenges in shrinking, high-cost living spaces through multifunctionality. Utilizing observational analysis, the methodology employed user interviews and journey mapping to understand daily routines. The resulting impact maximized utility within small footprints, effectively addressing the economic shift toward compact housing while enhancing social well-being through organized, stress-free environments.
Inspiration
Rooted in human behavior, Tokyo is inspired by the Japanese custom of removing shoes before entering homes, a habit that has become a global standard, especially post pandemic. This piece crosses cultural tradition with modern home needs, reimagining a daily object through an updated lens to suit fast paced lifestyles. Visually influenced by Japanese Torii gates, the design is distinguished by a balanced asymmetry where each component seamlessly flows with aesthetic and functional purpose.
Project Duration
The project started in November 2023 in Viana do Castelo and finished in February 2025 in Viana do Castelo. It was exhibited in Funchal Biennial of Art and Design in Madeira in March 2025
Operation Flow
Tokyo offers an intuitive user experience through self explanatory functionality. Its thoughtful layout optimizes storage while providing the versatility for users to define their own use case scenarios. Whether organizing footwear, bags, or daily essentials, the design avoids prescriptive use. Instead, it adapts to the individual’s unique lifestyle and spatial needs, ensuring the product evolves with the user. The design nature motivate individuals for new and better habits.
Image Credits
Image #1: Photographer Pedro Machado, Tokyo, 2025
Image #2: Photographer Pedro Machado, Tokyo, 2025
Image #3: Photographer Pedro Machado, Tokyo, 2025
Image #4: Photographer Pedro Machado, Tokyo, 2025
Image #5: Designer João Teixeira, Tokyo, 2025
Video Credits: Designer João Teixeira, Tokyo, 2025

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