Strings Primary Function: Intebe by Yuna Yamashiro

Strings Primary Function: Intebe by Yuna Yamashiro is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Igihembo cya A' Design Award cya Buronze in Igishushanyo cy'Imitako Competition Category.

BuronzeImitako· 2026

Strings Primary Function: Intebe

by Yuna Yamashiro

Client: Yuna Yamashiro

Igihembo cya A' Design Award cya Buronze Winner in Imitako Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #179268

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Strings Primary Function: Intebe

Book Text: Iyi ntebe ikura ubushishozi ku sanshin, igikoresho gakondo cy'imirya giturutse i Okinawa, mu Buyapani. Ubushyuhe bwacyo hamwe n'imbaraga z'imirya bigaragazwa binyuze ku giti gisanzwe, imikorere iciriritse yoroshye, n'imigozi ireshywa cyane. Imigozi inyura ku ntebe iha ibintu bya buri munsi uburyo bwo gufatirwa neza, bikagira ibihe by'ibyishimo n'ituze mu gihe bigaragaza kuboneka ndetse n'ubuzima bwa buri munsi bw'ukoresha. Igizwe hakoreshejwe imbaho zishyizwe hamwe, iyi ntebe igera ku mikorere yoroheje kuva ku maguru kugeza ku ntebe ubwayo hamwe n'ibiti byashyizwe mu bice bitandukanye bikayemera imbaraga, bizana ubushyuhe n'igishishikaza cyoroheje mu buzima bwa buri munsi.

The Recognition

About the Igihembo cya A' Design Award cya Buronze

Strings Primary Function: Intebe ni uwegukanye Igihembo cya A' Design Award cya Buronze, ishimwe ry'agaciro gakomeye ritangwa ku bishushanyo by'indashyikirwa birangwa no guhanga, ubwenge n'ubushishozi. Abegukanye Buronze ni ibihangano bifite ubuhanga bwinshi kandi bihanga cyane, bishimangira uburambe, ubwenge n'ubushobozi bw'ababihanze. Strings Primary Function: Intebe biteganyijwe ko izaba ikintu cyubahwa, gishimwa kandi gikundwa, gifite ubunyamwuga n'udushya. Iki gishushanyo cyegukanye Buronze gikoresha uburyo bwiza mu buhanzi, ubumenyi, ubushushanyo n'ikoranabuhanga kandi kirarenze mu gutaha ku tuntu duto. Strings Primary Function: Intebe ishimisha ibyo dukeneye, ikora ku byifuzo byacu, itwara amarangamutima yacu kandi ikurura amatsiko yacu.

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.