Tokyo Being Ioma-ghnìomhach by Joao Teixeira

Tokyo Being Ioma-ghnìomhach by Joao Teixeira is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Duais Òir A' Design Award in Dealbhadh Àirneis Competition Category.

ÒrÀirneis· 2026

Tokyo Being Ioma-ghnìomhach

by Joao Teixeira

Client: Oftwise

Duais Òir A' Design Award Winner in Àirneis Category

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Colors

The Design

About Tokyo Being Ioma-ghnìomhach

'S e being ioma-ghnìomhach a th' ann an Tokyo a chaidh a dhealbhadh airson trannsaichean-inntrigidh dachaigh. Tha Tokyo a' cothlamadh àite-suidhe le raca bhrògan, gus an gabh caisbheart, bagaichean agus nithean làitheil a stòradh ann an lorg bheag. Tha treidhe lùbte air a' mhullach a' leantainn loidhne a' chuisein agus a' cumail nithean làitheil. Tha a' bheing air a dèanamh de fhiodh-filleagach beithe FSC brùthte le sgeadachadh daraich nàdarra, air a mhuilleadh le CNC airson mionaideachd agus air a chrìochnachadh le olan neo-phuinnseanta. Tha an cuisean còmhdaichte le poileastair ath-chuairtichte. Tha Tokyo air a chur a-mach ann am pasgan còmhnard agus faodaidh aon neach a chur ri chèile le deich sgriubhaichean.

The Recognition

About the Duais Òir A' Design Award

Tha Tokyo Being Ioma-ghnìomhach air Duais Òir A' Design Award a bhuannachadh, aithneachadh anabarrach urramach a bheirear do dhealbhaidhean den chiad ìre, mìorbhaileach agus sònraichte. Tha buannaichean Òir nan cruthachaidhean anabarrach ùr-ghnàthach, làn lèirsinn agus drùidhteach a nochdas gèinidh, gliocas agus comas an luchd-dealbhaidh. Thathar an dùil gum bi Tokyo Being Ioma-ghnìomhach na innleachd a gheibh moladh mòr, a stèidhicheas gluasadan agus mòr-chuimhneachain a bheir luach nach fhacas riamh roimhe. Tha an dealbhadh seo a bhuannaich Duais Òir A' Design Award na phròiseact sònraichte, urramach a bhrosnaicheas crìochan ealain, saidheans, dealbhaidh agus teicneolais gu mòr. Bidh Tokyo Being Ioma-ghnìomhach a' cruthachadh faireachdainnean làidir miann, a' dùsgadh dealas, a' brosnachadh cruthachalachd agus a' glacadh sinn.

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