Two of Europe’s most dynamic furniture manufacturers launched new products by Milan-based Japanese industrial designer Keiji Takeuchi this month.
Launched in Cologne by French brand Ligne-Roset a few days before Maison et Objet, Moa is a minimalist reclining armchair that has been designed by Takeuchi, down to the smallest detail.
While simple in shape, the precise design of the chair necessitated advanced manufacturing techniques. For example, the way the chair’s interlocks into the base requires manufacturing tolerances of just one-200th of a mm, and Ligne-Roset had to invent new gluing techniques to ensure the chair looks as Takeuchi intends.
At Maison et Objet, Belgian furniture manufacturer Cruso – known for sustainable production and its collaborations with talented international designers – launched Springback, an ensemble of lounge chair and coffee table designed by Takeuchi.
The Springback duo is described by Cruso as being “perfect for a relaxing moment, a quiet read or a casual conversation with drinks.”
The lounge chair is made out of oak or walnut on a steel structure, and its sturdy base provides a solid yet welcoming feel.
While Takeuchi was born in Japan in 1977, he spent most of his youth in New Zealand where he graduated from university with a bachelor’s degree in Product Design. He worked for Naoto Fukasawa in Tokyo between 2005 and 2012, after which he moved to Milan to set up a satellite office for the company, and in 2015 established his own design office in Milan.
