DESIGNTIDE TOKYO

Surfaced

Surfaced is a project I started in 2019 as a response to the atelier-based small-scale production system, countering mass-produced furniture. By adopting a sculptural process, various benefits arise. One significant advantage is the reduction of material waste. In traditional methods, materials that do not meet the minimum yield or part length are often turned into fuel chips, but with Surfaced's approach, even small materials can contribute to the structure of the work. Additionally, unused blocks can be repurposed for the next piece. This method, which allows for the use of materials regardless of size, is well-suited for reusing wood and utilizing scrap wood. Another benefit is that the details change with each piece. By fixing the overall silhouette while allowing flexibility in the finer details, producing five of the same stools results in each having its own unique character, which is advantageous for gallery work. Although this approach requires more time and effort, it offers advantages that cannot be obtained through mass production methods.

Sho Ota

Sho was born in Chiba Prefecture in 1984. After graduating from the Department of Design, Faculty of Engineering, Chiba University, he joined a furniture manufacturer. In 2018, he completed a Master's program in Contextual Design at the Design Academy Eindhoven and established Studio Sho Ota in the same year. He is based in the Netherlands and has exhibited his work in galleries across Europe and the U.S. In 2021, he held his first solo exhibition in Paris. He is driven to create works through small-scale production that would be impossible to achieve through mass production.

https://shootadesign.com/
EXHIBITION / AWARD
  • 2024: Collectible / Brussels, Belgium
  • 2023: ‘Material, or’ / Tokyo, Japan
  • 2023: ‘TOUCH WOOD’ duo show with Yuma Kano at Alcova/ Milan, Italy
  • 2020: LA MANUFACTURE A LABOUR OF LOVE / Lille, France
  • 2019: Design Parade Hyères 14, Hyères, France