Bronze Furniture Design · 2023
Consentable MT Dining Table
- A' Design Award 2023 Bronze Winner in Furniture Design
- Awarded April 15, 2023
- CLIENT: Consentable
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 19,194
- Verification code 5DA29733AA · Verify this award
About Consentable MT Dining Table
This is the multi-purpose table with wiring functions. It has wiring grooves on all four legs and six drawers with wiring functions under the tabletop, allowing users to store OA taps in any of the drawers for beautiful wiring without cluttering the tabletop with electrical codes. The narrow gaps for wiring is provided at the front of all the drawers, allowing users to work with their PCs while connected and energized on the tabletop. This dining table is versatile for both eating and working, making it the family hangout.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- This dining table is multi-purpose one with 6 drawers which has narrow gaps for wirings in front. Not only meal related items but also note PC can be stored with its wirings and OA taps in the drawers. Therefore, when working, the user can take out note PC from the drawers, and when eating, he can put it in them, and have a meal together. This provides both a family dining and working space, so it can be used like a family hangout.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Width 1600mm, Depth 900mm, Height 730mm.
- Tags
- digital, sustainable, dining table, Japan, cypress, PC, digital, device, wood, craftsman
- Production Technology
- This table is made by Japanese furniture craftsmen, Youbi Co., with Japanese traditional method without using any nails.
- Design Challenge
- Our challenge is to improve the family gathering experience at the dining table. Therefore, we designed this table as a hangout for the family by incorporating the concept of Washitsu, Japanese traditional multi-purpose room. At the same time, we adopted the traditional Japanese technique without steel nails and realized a sturdy and reliable structure that can withstand the long usage time of the family.
- Project Duration
- The project started in November 2014 in Tokyo and exhibited in IFFT Tokyo Interior Lifestyle in November 2015, followed by commercialization in 2022.
- Operation Flow
- (1) OA taps can be stored mainly in two centered small drawers. All drawers have 5mm narrow gaps in front for various wirings, so you can freely wire to the top plate with the drawer closed even when using devices such as note PC. (2) The grooves on all legs are for hiding codes of OA taps connected to the outlet. So you can use all the digital devices on the table without noisy wirings. (3) The top plate has a small opening for setting a vase of flower. So you can decorate various flowers on the table to enjoy season changes.
- Research
- This table is made of cypress wood, which is traditionally used for pillars of shrines, bathtubs, drawers, Sake cups, and so on in Japan. However, recently, the amount of cypress used has decreased. The reason is the change in our lifestyle. The Lumberjacks who were the caretakers of the cypress woods are forced into unemployment. And the cypress forest, which was originally planted 100 years ago when used as housing materials, is now in poor condition. The negative impact also hits traditional Japanese technique. I think it is also the role of a designer to shed light on this kind of issues.
- Inspiration
- There is a traditional culture of using a room flexibly in Japan. The room called Washitsu does not have fixed role, it becomes a dining room with Ozen when eating, a living room with Zabuton when relaxing, and a bedroom with Futon at night. It makes sense to use space for multiple purposes with each tool, depending on the time and occasion. Inspired by that idea, I thought of redesigning the dining table. It is designed so that each member of the user's family can store and retrieve work tools, including devices, in six drawers at any time, allowing each one to spend their time for multiple purpose on this table.
- Image Credits
- Image #1-5: Photographer Katsuhiko Abe, Variations, 2015.
- Patents
- Patented. No1586071. Takusei Kajitani. August 25, 2017. Certificate of Design Registration, Japan Patent Office.
Colors of Consentable MT Dining Table
Design Interview about Consentable MT Dining Table
MT is designed so that each member of the user's family can store and retrieve work tools, including digital devices, in six drawers at any time, allowing each one to spend their time for multiple purpose on this table.
Our challenge is to improve the family gathering experience at the dining table. Therefore, we designed this table as a hangout for the family by incorporating the concept of Washitsu, Japanese traditional multi-purpose room. At the same time, we adopted the traditional Japanese technique without steel nails and realized a sturdy and reliable structure that can withstand the long usage time of the family.
We have already received several orders and plan to sell the product on a made-to-order basis for a while.
It took about a year to complete this work. 3 months at the concept development stage, next 3 months at the basic design stage where materials and manufacturing methods were examined and craftsmen were selected, and then 3 months at the implementation design stage where all details were fixed with collaborating with the craftsmen, and 3 months at the mockup production stage.
There is a traditional culture of using a room flexibly in Japan. The room called Washitsu does not have fixed role, it becomes a dining room with Ozen when eating, a living room with Zabuton when relaxing, and a bedroom with Futon at night. It makes sense to use space for multiple purposes with each tool, depending on the time and occasion. Inspired by that idea, I thought of redesigning the dining table.
The design of Consentable / MT is patented by Takusei Kajitani.
At first, I am planning to promote Consentable / MT, a dining table that provides new experiential value, to many people. To do so, I am thinking of first producing and selling it myself. Of course, if there is a company interested in manufacturing and selling it, I would like to consider lending the copyright to them and consigning the production and sales to them.
At first, I am planning to promote Consentable / MT, a dining table that provides new experiential value, to many people. To do so, I am thinking of first producing and selling it myself. Of course, if there is a company interested in manufacturing and selling it, I would like to consider lending the copyright to them and consigning the production and sales to them.
Consentanle / MT can keep the top plate of dining table clean by storing the noisy wirings.
In Japan, there is a traditional culture that emphasizes "Seiri Seiton" means cleanliness and simplicity of the workplaces in order to do a good job. I wanted to realize that idea on the dining table.
In Japan, there is a traditional culture that emphasizes "Seiri Seiton" means cleanliness and simplicity of the workplaces in order to do a good job. I wanted to realize that idea on the dining table.
I don't have any other particular design or designer in mind, but if there is a design that has influenced me, it may be a simple and rational design of Japanese tea room or tea utensils.
Anyway, I made a very simple design that I imaged in my mind.
Anyway, I made a very simple design that I imaged in my mind.
It is designed for all modern intellectuals in the world, but I am hoping that it is liked by foreign users who are highly interested in Japanese woodworking technology.
Consentable have a strong desire to let more people in the world touch the wonderfulness of Japanese craftsmanship.
Consentable have a strong desire to let more people in the world touch the wonderfulness of Japanese craftsmanship.
This dining table is multi-purpose one with 6 drawers which has narrow gaps for wirings in front. Not only meal related items but also note PC can be stored with its wirings and OA taps in the drawers. Therefore, when working, the user can take out note PC from the drawers, and when eating, he can put it in them, and have a meal together. This provides both a family dining and working space, so it can be used like a family hangout. That is the originality of Consaentable / MT.
MT is an abbreviation for "Multiple Table".
While a dining table is limited to the function of eating, this MT is intended to be used for a variety of purposes, primarily including the use of digital devices.
While a dining table is limited to the function of eating, this MT is intended to be used for a variety of purposes, primarily including the use of digital devices.
I used MacBook, digital pen tools, sketchbooks, pencils, the internet, and design books for concept-stage research. I especially studied the entire history of desk design.
Once I decided on a concept, used Adobe Illustrator to draw the details during the design phase.
Then, I made a full-scale mockup with craftsmen and completed the design by trial and error for detailed usability.
Once I decided on a concept, used Adobe Illustrator to draw the details during the design phase.
Then, I made a full-scale mockup with craftsmen and completed the design by trial and error for detailed usability.
This dining table is multi-purpose one with 6 drawers which has narrow gaps for wirings in front. Not only meal related items but also note PC can be stored with its wirings and OA taps in the drawers. Therefore, when working, the user can take out note PC from the drawers, and when eating, he can put it in them, and have a meal together. This provides both a family dining and working space, so it can be used like a family hangout.
MT is made in collaboration with Yobi, an excellent workshop in Nishiawakura Village, a woodworking town located in the northern part of Okayama Prefecture, my hometown. In addition, MT is made using traditional and sustainable production methods that do not use iron nails.
The role of Japanese traditional technique is almost essence of this design.
I have achieved a simple, sustainable and attractive appearance by applying them.
I have achieved a simple, sustainable and attractive appearance by applying them.
I have researched the history of the table before designing.
For example, the oldest design of the table in record was a simple wooden one in the ancient Egyptian era (BC. 2500), and after that, the design of table has been evolved into different types to suit the diversification of various lifestyles. On the other hand, ancient chairs seemed to have the meaning of "a symbol of power."
I thought it very interesting that the design of the table does not have strong meanings and seems to be treated as purely functional in their history.
For example, the oldest design of the table in record was a simple wooden one in the ancient Egyptian era (BC. 2500), and after that, the design of table has been evolved into different types to suit the diversification of various lifestyles. On the other hand, ancient chairs seemed to have the meaning of "a symbol of power."
I thought it very interesting that the design of the table does not have strong meanings and seems to be treated as purely functional in their history.
I think the problem is that the selling price is high because it is manufactured by a method that is not mass-produced. I am thinking seriously how to solve the contradictory situation between keeping the craftsmanship on it and sell at a reasonable price for many users.
In 2022, we were awarded a Bronze for WT Ao, an indigo-dyed furniture with strong presence finish, but this time MT has left the finish on the bare wood, as is traditional Japanese furniture. I applied for the award because I wanted to know what kind of evaluation my new functional furniture made with this traditional Japanese finish would receive. As a result, I am very happy to receive a Bronze evaluation.
MT is a table that not only uses beautiful cypress wood finished with traditional Japanese techniques, but also has new features. We have found that traditional techniques, which are difficult to continue for economic reasons, can be reaffirmed in value by developing new functions that are appropriate for the times.
I think it’s enough.
Thanks to you, I was able to organize my own way of thinking on my design again in answering this interview.
Thanks to you, I was able to organize my own way of thinking on my design again in answering this interview.
Grand Interview about Consentable MT Dining Table
Traditional Japanese rooms,Washitsu embody a unique lifestyle and way of thinking that is characteristic of the Japanese people. For example, Washitsu do not have a fixed role and are typically used in different ways depending on the situation. Placing a “goshen” (a small table with four legs used as a tray for dishes) in a Washitsu turns it into a dining area, placing a ‘futon’ (a set of a mattress and a blanket used for sleeping) turns it into a bedroom, and arranging “zabuton” (cushions for sitting) turns it into a living room. Washitsu have almost no fixed functions, but precisely because of this, they can be used in any way. Additionally, Washitsu have a “closet” (a storage room) that typically stores futons and zabuton, but when needed, these items can be spread out in the room to fulfill its intended function.In Consentable MT, this concept is applied to the dining table. In other words, it is not limited to the single function of a dining table but can serve various purposes such as writing, PC work, charging smart-phones or family gatherings. By retrieving items like lunch mats, paper, pens, or a notebook PC from the drawers as needed, it can fulfill diverse roles. This allows family members to spend various types of time at this multi-purpose table as needed. Beyond mealtimes, it can serve as a study desk for children or a workstation for the father's PC tasks, fostering casual conversations and becoming a hub for family interaction.
As many people who use PCs or smartphones at home may have noticed, the digitalization of daily life has led to a tangled mess of cables around power outlets, often covered in dust and difficult to clean. This is inevitable, as we rely on cables for smartphones, laptops, external hard drives, digital cameras, CD players, and more. However, no fundamental solution to this cable clutter problem seemed available. Therefore, I decided to function the dining table as a cable hub and organize the cables. By connecting a single power strip cable from the power outlet, passing it through the cable grooves on the legs of it, and housing the power strip's outlets in the drawer under the tabletop, I made the dining table function as a power station for various digital devices.In terms of design, I prioritized the ability to store and retrieve each digital device while the wiring was connected, while also aiming for a refined appearance where the wiring was barely visible from the outside.
“Youbi” is a woodworking studio based in Okayama Prefecture, my hometown. Located in Nishi-awakura Village, a region renowned for its hinoki cypress production, the studio employs skilled young craftsmen who create furniture by hand, producing a wide range of high-quality wooden furniture. I have been captivated by the freshness of the wood and the forest-like aroma that emanate from the furniture crafted by “Youbi.”At the IFFT Tokyo 2015 exhibition, when I first met Mr. Oshima, the representative of “Youbi,” I asked him to take on the Consentable MT project, and he kindly agreed, which was the starting point for this project.Later, I visited the woodworking studio in Nishikura and was guided through the nearby forest. I learned that even after being cut, wood continues to breathe and absorb moisture, making it, in a sense, a living entity. I also learned that using hard metal nails on delicate wood could potentially reduce the long-term quality and performance of the wood. Through this experience, I came to understand that traditional Japanese techniques are the accumulation of profound wisdom from our ancestors, based on the premise of long-term use of wood and characterized by extreme rationality. In other words, it was not just about exceptional technical skill, but also the accumulated wisdom of handling wood, the primary material for Japanese houses, furniture, and tableware for hundreds of years, that constitutes traditional techniques, and this is the technology that “Youbi” values.
During the Consentable MT production process, when I visited the "Youbi" woodworking studio and the forest in Nishi-awakura, I learned about the challenges facing Japan's forests.In Japan's forests, it is common to see rows of coniferous trees such as cedar and cypress, but these conifers were planted about 50 years ago under government policy to meet the demand for wooden houses and other structures. Cedar and cypress require 40 to 50 years to grow into usable timber, so now is actually the time to utilize these mature conifers as timber. However, due to the sharp decline in wooden housing and the inability to compete with imported timber prices, the domestic forestry industry has declined. In such circumstances, many areas of coniferous forests have been left untouched, with trees growing densely and blocking sunlight from reaching the ground, thereby beginning to negatively impact the forest ecosystem.In this situation, it is important to use domestic cypress wood whenever possible, as this could create opportunities to revitalize the forestry industry.While Consentable MT can only make a small contribution, I hope that by sharing this information, the situation may improve to some extent.
Consentable MT is an application of the concept of Consentable WT, a PC-specific work desk developed in 2014, to a dining table. After developing a mock-up, we exhibited it at IFFT Tokyo 2015. While using high-quality domestic cypress wood significantly improved the quality, it also made the product very expensive. Since it was not a typical price point, I had given up on selling it. However, in 2022, someone who had taken an interest in Consentable’s activities approached me with the idea of scaling up the Consentable WT and placing an order, prompting us to reconsider productization. This became a crucial breakthrough, leading to our submission to the A’Design Award, where we won a Bronze award and received recognition. I am deeply grateful to the person who placed the order.
In today's digitalized society, communicating via digital tools such as social media and messaging apps has become a part of everyday life. The same is true for communicating with family members. In Japan (especially in urban areas such as Tokyo), busy lifestyles and individualism have become more prevalent, and it is not uncommon for family members to be unable to eat meals together. Thinking about it, meal times were once the only time when families would gather together regularly. However, when that time disappears, each person returns to their own room to continue working or chat with friends on social media or messaging apps, and before long, it becomes commonplace for families to have fewer opportunities to gather together. In such a situation, I wondered if a dining table could be designed to allow families to spend time together beyond meal times, thereby naturally creating opportunities for them to gather. In other words, if family members could continue their work on a laptop or charge their phones while checking social media at the dining table, they could spend a little time there, and casual conversations would naturally arise. To create such a table that serves as a hub for the family, I designed a multi-purpose table with wiring functions and device storage capabilities.Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
In Japanese living culture, there is a tradition called “ichirin-zashi”, where seasonal cut flowers are arranged in a small vase in a corner of the room to enjoy the changing seasons. This culture left a strong impression on the French philosopher Sartre when he visited Japan, and it is said that he felt a unique Japanese aesthetic sense in the custom of arranging cut flowers. The Consentable MT also features a “ichirin-zashi vase” in the center of the tabletop. This was designed with the intention of creating a space where family members can gather and communicate more easily by having a vase of flowers arranged by a family member. The unique “ichirin-zashi vase”, which seems to grow out of the tabletop, will add a charming touch to the family's daily life. That is my hope.
The wiring management system of Consentable MT is designed to blend with the traditional wooden table design. In traditional wooden tables, a structural material called “Arizan” is placed in the center of the tabletop in the longitudinal direction to prevent warping of the solid tabletop and fix it in place. In Consentable MT, the OA tap cables are routed through the leg wiring channels along the “Arizan” structure to the lower central part of the tabletop. The OA tap's power outlet is housed in the central drawer, allowing for flexible wiring to various seating areas. Additionally, each drawer features a slit-shaped opening approximately 5mm wide, allowing power cables to be easily routed onto the tabletop through this opening, for example, when charging a smartphone on the tabletop. In this way, we aimed for a simple design that retains the traditional form of furniture while incorporating wiring functionality in invisible areas.
I use Consentable MT at home, and I feel that my family now spends more time gathered around the table than before. While it is used for meals, each family member also uses Consentable MT for small PC tasks, mobile phone charging, or document work, making it a natural gathering spot in daily life and fostering casual conversations. For example, placing a dandelion flower picked nearby in the central vase can spark various conversations as everyone gathers around it. If I imagine the days when we had a regular dining table instead of Consentable MT, I think we would have avoided using the dining table for tasks like PC work that require wiring, and instead done them in individual rooms. Thinking about it that way, I really feel that Consentable MT is functioning as a natural hub for the family. I’m very satisfied with its role.
Traditional techniques are a treasure trove of human wisdom, and I believe they may hold various technologies and effects that modern people are unaware of. Therefore, I think it is a great pity to limit traditional techniques to traditional crafts alone. By actively incorporating them into modern functional products, we can better appreciate the wisdom of our ancestors and the power of natural materials. Through the act of actually using traditional techniques in new ideas and designs, I have come to realize that design concepts can expand significantly. I would like to continue exploring this further.