Kawarie Zabuton Japanese cushion by Misako Niwa

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DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

MN : The movement which turns over a picture book. Hexagonal return of folding paper. Japanese traditional arts and crafts. Kurume cotton cloth with a splashed pattern.

DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

MN : I spend time to have plenty of room. A life is enjoyed. Smiling face.

DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?

MN : Japanese product design using traditional arts and crafts and spatial production

DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

MN : Graduation work of the Kyoto University of Art and Design spatial tour

DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?

MN : Making with new pattern is getting ready.

DI: What made you design this particular type of work?

MN : I designed by myself.

DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?

MN : There isn't a person who underwent influence.

DI: Who is the target customer for his design?

MN : Care for the old facilities, hotel, Japanese-style hotel, hospital and tourist Gift

DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

MN : There is nothing.

DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?

MN : 3 sides are using 3 kinds of fabric, and turn over like a picture book, and change.

DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

MN : Sewing machine.

DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?

MN : The pattern turns over, and is going to change 3 sides.

DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?

MN : There is no one.

DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?

MN : Spatial production and change in a room

DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?

MN : The kind of fabric. The special quality of the urethane. Functionality The durability

DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

MN : The quality of the urethane and the shape

DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

MN : I make the design spread in the world. good of the Japanese traditional arts and crafts which spread is told.

DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

MN : Combine, the material and the feel of a material