Tokyo Bank Multifunzjonali by Joao Teixeira

Tokyo Bank Multifunzjonali by Joao Teixeira is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Premju A' Design Award tad-Deheb in Disinn tal-Għamara Competition Category.

DehebGħamara· 2026

Tokyo Bank Multifunzjonali

by Joao Teixeira

Client: Oftwise

Premju A' Design Award tad-Deheb Winner in Għamara Category

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Colors

The Design

About Tokyo Bank Multifunzjonali

Tokyo huwa bank multifunzjonali ddisinjat għad-daħliet tad-djar. Tokyo jgħaqqad il-post fejn wieħed joqgħod bilqiegħda ma' xkaffa taż-żraben, sabiex iż-żraben, il-basktijiet u l-oġġetti ta' kuljum ikunu jistgħu jinħażnu fi spazju żgħir. Tray ta' fuq kurvat isegwi l-linja tal-kuxxin u jżomm l-oġġetti ta' kuljum. Il-bank huwa magħmul minn plywood tal-betula ppressat iċċertifikat mill-FSC b'fuljetta tal-ballut naturali, maħdum bis-CNC għall-preċiżjoni u rfinut b'żjut mhux tossiċi. Il-kuxxin huwa miksi b'polyester riċiklat. Tokyo jintbagħat ippakkjat ċatt u jista' jiġi mmuntat minn persuna waħda b'għaxar viti.

The Recognition

About the Premju A' Design Award tad-Deheb

Tokyo Bank Multifunzjonali huwa rebbieħ tal-Premju A' Design Award tad-Deheb, rikonoxximent prestiġjuż ħafna mogħti lil disinji tal-ewwel klassi, mill-isbaħ u eċċellenti. Ir-rebbieħa tad-Deheb huma ħolqien innovattiv ħafna, b'viżjoni u li jleqqu b'mod li jgħammex, li jirriflettu t-talent, l-għerf u l-ħila tad-disinjaturi tagħhom. Huwa mistenni li Tokyo Bank Multifunzjonali ikun invenzjoni mfaħħra ħafna, li tistabbilixxi x-xejriet u monumentali li tagħti valur bla preċedent. Dan id-disinn rebbieħ tad-Deheb huwa proġett spettakolari u rispettat li jwessa' l-fruntieri tal-arti, ix-xjenza, id-disinn u t-teknoloġija. Tokyo Bank Multifunzjonali joħloq xewqa qawwija, iqajjem il-passjoni, iħeġġeġ il-kreattività u jisħer lilna.

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