ROW Bench

ROW Bench

ROW Bench is an innovative furniture design that exemplifies the harmonious fusion of traditional Japanese craftsmanship with contemporary industrial materials. Created by Japanese designer Kazunaga Sakashita, this distinctive seating solution masterfully combines tatami rush grass, a material deeply rooted in Japanese cultural heritage, with modern aluminum framework to create a unique aesthetic and functional statement. The bench's design was inspired by the historic TOFURO regional government building, reflecting a diplomatic bridge between Japanese tradition and global design sensibilities. The piece features a meticulously crafted aluminum frame that houses a specially woven tatami seat, measuring 1500mm in width, 500mm in depth, with a seat height of 400mm. The manufacturing process involves precise engineering to overcome the inherent challenges of combining organic rush grass materials with industrial metal components, achieved through an innovative reverse-order construction method where the aluminum frame is custom-fitted to the tatami. This bench represents a significant departure from conventional Japanese furniture design, which typically pairs tatami with wooden elements, and instead creates a minimal, modern aesthetic that maintains cultural authenticity while offering universal appeal. The design earned recognition with a Silver A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category, acknowledging its exceptional contribution to contemporary furniture design through its innovative material combination, ergonomic considerations, and cultural significance. The bench's distinctive features include integrated arm supports that double as carrying handles, while the natural properties of tatami provide both comfort and sensory experience through its characteristic fragrance and texture, making it suitable for various interior settings without compromising its functional integrity.

furniture design, Japanese craftsmanship, tatami rush grass, aluminum frame, contemporary seating, cultural fusion

— Adam Dawson

CITATION : "Adam Dawson. 'ROW Bench.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/define/row-bench?E=443016 (Accessed on October 14, 2026)"