Strings Hocker by Yuna Yamashiro is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award in Bronze in Möbeldesign Competition Category.

BronzeMöbel· 2026

Strings Hocker

by Yuna Yamashiro

Client: Yuna Yamashiro

A' Design Award in Bronze Winner in Möbel Category

10,082

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #179268

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Strings Hocker

Dieser Hocker lässt sich vom Sanshin inspirieren, einem traditionellen Saiteninstrument aus Okinawa, Japan. Seine Wärme und die Saitenspannung werden durch Naturholz, sanfte Kurven und straff gespannte Schnüre zum Ausdruck gebracht. Die Schnüre über der Sitzfläche ermöglichen es, Alltagsgegenstände einzuklemmen und festzuhalten, wodurch Momente der Freude und Behaglichkeit entstehen und zugleich die Präsenz und das tägliche Leben der Nutzerin beziehungsweise des Nutzers heraufbeschworen werden. Aus formverleimtem Schichtholz gefertigt, erreicht der Hocker eine geschmeidige Kurve von den Beinen bis zur Sitzfläche, wobei das geschichtete Holz für Stabilität sorgt und Wärme sowie sanfte Impulse in den Alltag bringt.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award in Bronze

Strings Hocker ist Gewinner des A' Design Award in Bronze, einer hochprestigeträchtigen Anerkennung für herausragende Designs, die sich durch Kreativität, Einfallsreichtum und Scharfsinn auszeichnen. Bronze-Gewinner sind reichlich geschickte und auffallend kreative Artefakte, die die große Erfahrung, Fantasie und Findigkeit ihrer Designer belegen. Von Strings Hocker wird erwartet, dass es ein hochgeschätztes, bewundertes und geliebtes Objekt ist, das bemerkenswert professionell und innovativ ist. Dieses mit dem A' Design Award in Bronze prämierte Design verkörpert bewährte Verfahren in Kunst, Wissenschaft, Design und Technologie und ist hervorragend in seiner Liebe zum Detail. Strings Hocker befriedigt Bedürfnisse auf großartige Weise, berührt Wünsche, bezaubert Gefühle und spricht die Neugier an.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: Okinawa's traditional sensibilities spread worldwide, exploring new design approaches that blend seamlessly into modern living. As an island nation, Okinawa has developed its own distinct culture. The sanshin possesses a uniquely warm tone and form found only in Okinawa. This stool incorporates these elements into its design.This stool is designed to integrate into everyday life. Such cross-cultural sensibilities will become a presence that brings stimulation to everyday life.
Dimensions & Packaging: Width 500mm x Depth 300mm x Height 450mm
Tags: Design, Stool, Chair, Furniture, Furniture Design, Wood, Strings
Production Technology: The manufacturing process utilizes molded plywood, achieving gentle curves by applying pressure to bend the wood. The structure draws inspiration from the tension and stringing seen in Okinawan sanshin instruments, employing a multi-layered wood construction that ensures visual lightness while maintaining sufficient stability. Wood is carefully selected and utilized to convey the warmth and natural atmosphere of Okinawa.
Design Challenge: To bend wood using pressure, I created a mold. For clean bending, the wood must adhere tightly to the mold. Finding the right pressure application proved challenging one that ensures the wood stays firmly pressed against the mold while maintaining stability until the shape is fully set.
Research: Okinawa's traditional sensibilities spread worldwide, exploring of new design approaches that harmonize with contemporary living.As an island nation, Okinawa has developed its own distinct culture. The sanshin possesses a uniquely warm tone and form found only in Okinawa. In this stool, those elements are incorporated into the design through form, texture, and the experience of use. Such cross-cultural sensibilities will become a presence that brings stimulation to everyday life.
Inspiration: This stool draws inspiration from the Sanshin, Okinawa's traditional musical instrument. Its design incorporates the warm resonance produced by the sanshin's sound and the beauty of tension and harmony inherent in its stringed structure. Just as the Sanshin has been a constant companion in daily life in Okinawa, existing as a warm memory, This stool was designed to quietly receive moments of time and presence in everyday life, becoming an object that lingers in memory.
Project Duration: The project started in June 2025 in Okinawa and finished in September 2025 in Okinawa.
Operation Flow: Users can temporarily hold daily necessities and personal items by slipping them between the cords. Slipping favorite items into this stool can lift your spirits, while slipping in mementos can provide emotional comfort. The cords are also replaceable, allowing users to customize the color to match their preferences or room decor. The central opening in the seat is designed to fit the body comfortably, enhancing seating comfort, while the trapezoidal outward-spreading legs enable efficient stacking. This allows the stool to naturally blend into everyday life.
Image Credits: Image #1: Yuna Yamashiro, Hiroto Nakamura, 2025. Image #2: Yuna Yamashiro, Hiroto Nakamura, 2025. Image #3: Yuna Yamashiro, Hiroto Nakamura, 2025. Image #4: Yuna Yamashiro, Hiroto Nakamura, 2025. Image #5: Yuna Yamashiro, Hiroto Nakamura, 2025.