We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Takanori Urata about their original and creative Cup design work. Takanori Urata is an award-winning creative designer, that makes our world a better place with their original cup works.
Takanori Urata ("TU") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Metal Cup. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
TU : sunsetclimax is a brand I launched in 2014 and already has several lines of camping equipment. All of sunsetclimax's camping equipment is simple, elegant and beautifully designed products. I wanted to create a vessel for eating that would fit the sunsetclimax brand image, which is what inspired me to design this metal cup.
TU : It is a combination of beauty and functionality. A seamless form of the vessel that does not collect dirt, and a detachable handle to prevent bulkiness when storing. In addition, since the vessel may be directly placed over a fire when camping, the detachable handle prevents the handle from getting hot, making it safer to handle. The vessel is made of stainless steel. The handle is made of titanium. This was done to balance the weight of the cup and handle when they are combined into one piece. We designed this metal cup in the hope that using a beautiful tool will lift the user's spirits and allow them to enjoy a pleasant camping experience.
TU : We have already received orders for this product from China, Korea, Taiwan, and other countries as well as Japan. We hope that many more people will use this product in the future. In the future, we envision a dish tray with the same tasteful design.
TU : About 3 years. After the design was decided to a certain extent, I searched for a craftsman who could make this cup by myself, and after much trial and error, I commercialized it.
TU : I had the desire to include metallic tableware in the sunsetclimax product line. The customer requested it more than I did, so I decided to design it.
TU : Only sunsetclimax. sunsetclimax's official online store is the only place to purchase our designs.
TU : Recreational camping, which is currently popular in Japan and other Asian countries, is one of the most beneficial ways to relieve daily stress and become mentally healthy. It is one of the most beneficial ways to relieve daily stress and improve one's mental health. We believe that a good society can be realized by increasing the number of energetic people who feel refreshed and energized for tomorrow. We have a variety of tools to enjoy recreational camping, and using beautiful tools is one of the most important things we can do. I believe that the use of beautiful tools provides a high level of satisfaction to those who use them and allows them to spend a more fulfilling time. Users sometimes talk with each other around beautiful tools, and a new community is born through the tools. For example, fans and owners of Ferraris and Alfa Romeos can enjoy the company of each other's beloved cars. This is why I designed this work, paying attention to various aspects of it.
TU : My mentor Tokujin Yoshioka's designs and his attitude towards design are very influential to me. Others include Sori Yanagi, Ingo Maurer, and architect Tadao Ando. There are many more.
TU : Men and women from their 20s to 60s. They are people who love camping and are interested in beautiful and well-crafted products.
TU : It is that each piece is carefully handmade. The soul of the craftsman is put into this product.
TU : Sunsetclimax aims to be as simple and clear as possible. It is easy for users to remember. So we decided on the name "metal cup," even though it is not very interesting, because it means a very simple metal vessel.
TU : Hand sketches, CAD, 3D modeling software, 3D planter prototype models, prototypes using actual materials, and
TU : It is analog, where we combine traditional and advanced technology. The body of the cup is made by traditional spatula shibori, a process in which a single sheet of metal is squeezed and formed by machine and human hands. The handle is cut by an advanced laser cutting machine, and then bent and formed by a precision bending machine.
TU : We had many meetings with metalworkers to bring the design to a higher level.
TU : Japanese small- and medium-scale craftsmen have very high skills, even by global standards. In order to keep such skills alive and to pass them on to the next generation, designers such as myself are involved in the design process. I hope that by having designers like me involved, craftsmen will receive orders from a variety of people and Japanese craftsmanship will thrive.
TU : I have not been specifically influenced by any data or analytical studies.
TU : For molding the cups, selecting the right material for a camping cup, as well as for the handles. There were also various restrictions in the molding process, so we had to solve these problems while maintaining the beauty of the product.
TU : We believe that it is very important to increase the value of our products by winning recognition in international competitions in order to enhance user satisfaction. In the past, we have entered other projects in design competitions in Japan, Germany, the U.S., and Asia, and have received several awards. I applied for this project.
TU : Every time, I am able to examine the delicate details that cannot be seen in pictures or drawings, because it is an item that touches people's hands and mouths. It made me realize again the need to design down to the invisible details, and it helped me grow as a person.
