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Tokyo Multifunctional na Bench by Joao Teixeira

Tokyo Multifunctional na Bench by Joao Teixeira is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award na Ginto in Disenyo ng Muwebles Competition Category.


GintoMuwebles· 2026

Tokyo Multifunctional na Bench

by Joao Teixeira

Client: Oftwise

A' Design Award na Ginto Winner in Muwebles Category

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The Design

About Tokyo Multifunctional na Bench

Ang Tokyo ay isang multifunctional na bench na idinisenyo para sa mga entryway ng tahanan. Pinagsasama ng Tokyo ang upuan at shoe rack, kaya ang mga sapatos, bag at pang-araw-araw na gamit ay maaaring itago sa maliit na espasyo. May kurbadong top tray na sumusunod sa linya ng cushion at naglalaman ng mga pang-araw-araw na bagay. Ang bench ay gawa sa pressed FSC birch plywood na may natural na oak veneer, minilyahan gamit ang CNC para sa katumpakan at tinapos gamit ang mga non-toxic na langis. Ang cushion ay binalutan ng recycled polyester. Ang Tokyo ay ipinapadala nang flat packed at maaaring buuin ng isang tao gamit ang sampung turnilyo.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award na Ginto

Ang Tokyo Multifunctional na Bench ay nagwagi ng A' Design Award na Ginto, isang napakaprestihiyosong pagkilalang iginagawad sa mga disenyong pangunahing-uri, kahanga-hanga at namumukod-tangi. Ang mga nagwagi ng Ginto ay mga likhang lubhang makabago, may pananaw at nakasisilaw sa karilagan na sumasalamin sa talino, karunungan at husay ng kanilang mga tagapagdisenyo. Inaasahang ang Tokyo Multifunctional na Bench ay isang lubos na pinupuri, nagtatakda-ng-uso at monumental na imbensyon na naghahatid ng walang kapantay na halaga. Ang disenyong ito na nagwagi ng A' Design Award na Ginto ay isang kahanga-hanga at iginagalang na proyekto na lubos na nakikinabang at nagpapaunlad sa mga hangganan ng sining, agham, disenyo at teknolohiya. Ang Tokyo Multifunctional na Bench ay lumilikha ng matinding damdamin ng pagnanais, gumigising ng damdamin, nagpapasigla ng pagkamalikhain at nakahuhumaling sa atin.

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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