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Tokyo Ławka wielofunkcyjna by Joao Teixeira

Tokyo Ławka wielofunkcyjna by Joao Teixeira is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Złota Nagroda A' Design Award in Wzornictwo Mebli Competition Category.


ZłotaMeble· 2026

Tokyo Ławka wielofunkcyjna

by Joao Teixeira

Client: Oftwise

Złota Nagroda A' Design Award Winner in Meble Category

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The Design

About Tokyo Ławka wielofunkcyjna

Tokyo to wielofunkcyjna ławka zaprojektowana do domowych przedpokojów. Tokyo łączy siedzisko z półką na buty, dzięki czemu obuwie, torby i przedmioty codziennego użytku można przechowywać na niewielkiej powierzchni. Zakrzywiona górna tacka podąża za linią poduszki i mieści drobne przedmioty codziennego użytku. Ławka wykonana jest z prasowanej sklejki brzozowej z certyfikatem FSC, pokrytej naturalnym fornirem dębowym, frezowanej metodą CNC dla zapewnienia precyzji i wykończonej nietoksycznymi olejami. Poduszka jest tapicerowana poliestrem z recyklingu. Tokyo jest dostarczana w płaskiej paczce i może zostać zmontowana przez jedną osobę za pomocą dziesięciu śrub.

The Recognition

About the Złota Nagroda A' Design Award

Tokyo Ławka wielofunkcyjna to laureat Złotej Nagrody A' Design Award, ogromnie prestiżowego wyróżnienia przyznawanego pierwszorzędnym, wspaniałym i znakomitym projektom. Laureaci Złotej Nagrody to niezwykle innowacyjne, wizjonerskie i olśniewające dzieła, które odzwierciedlają geniusz, mądrość i kunszt ich twórców. Tokyo Ławka wielofunkcyjna ma być wysoko chwalonym, wyznaczającym trendy i monumentalnym wynalazkiem, który dostarcza bezprecedensowej wartości. Ten projekt nagrodzony Złotą Nagrodą A' Design Award to spektakularne, szanowane dzieło, które w znacznym stopniu przynosi korzyści i przesuwa granice sztuki, nauki, designu i technologii. Tokyo Ławka wielofunkcyjna wywołuje intensywne uczucie pożądania, budzi pasję, zachęca do kreatywności i fascynuje nas.

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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