Tokyo 多功能長凳 by Joao Teixeira is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award 金獎 in 傢俱設計 Competition Category.

金傢俱· 2026

Tokyo 多功能長凳

by Joao Teixeira

Client: Oftwise

A' Design Award 金獎 Winner in 傢俱 Category

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Verified Award Winner

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Visit Site View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Tokyo 多功能長凳

Tokyo係一款專為家居玄關而設計嘅多功能長凳。Tokyo將座位同鞋架結合埋一齊，令鞋履、手袋同日常用品可以喺細小嘅空間內收納。弧形嘅頂部托盤順住座墊嘅線條而設，方便擺放日常物品。長凳採用FSC認證嘅壓製樺木夾板配天然橡木飾面製造，經CNC精密銑削加工，並以無毒油塗層作最後處理。座墊採用再生聚酯纖維包覆。Tokyo以平板包裝付運，一個人用十粒螺絲就可以完成組裝。

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award 金獎

Tokyo 多功能長凳是 A' Design Award 金獎得主，這是授予一流、絕妙而傑出設計的極為崇高的認可。金獎得主是極具創新、極富遠見且璀璨奪目的創作，反映出其設計師的天才、智慧與才幹。預計Tokyo 多功能長凳將成為一項備受讚譽、引領潮流、氣勢恢宏的發明，帶來前所未有的價值。這件贏得 A' Design Award 金獎的設計是一個壯觀而受人敬重的項目，極大地造福並拓展藝術、科學、設計和技術的界限。Tokyo 多功能長凳激起強烈的渴望，喚起激情，鼓勵創造力，令我們著迷。

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