East-West Design

THEY ARE DIVIDED by thousands of kilometres but when it comes to design, France and Japan are united in their pursuit of high quality and balance of form and function. And if you're keen to know how they do it, two ongoing exhibitions will show you.

First up is NO TASTE FOR BAD TASTE, so Starck, so Bouroullec... so le French Design - trust the French to come up with such a name - which is a roll call of over 40 works by design masters such as Philippe Starck and siblings Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec.

Created by le French Design by Valorisation de l'Innovation dans l'Ameublement (Promotion of Innovation in Furniture Design), the travelling exhibition made its debut in 2017. Its Singapore visit is part of Voilah! France Singapore Festival.

The show is divided into 10 French design values, including heritage, audacity, and art de vivre, which Jean-Paul Bath, director general of VIA, says "are universal values are shared by designers all around the world, and easily understood by everyone."

While the French exhibition comprises a mix of furniture and accessories using different materials, INTO THE WOODS: Yoshino Wood from Nara, showcases the beauty of Japan's Yoshino cedar and cypress woods.

Presented by Nara Prefectural Government, Okuyamato Migration and Exchange Promotion Office, it spotlights 11 Japanese makers who represent the culture, craftsmanship and sustainability of the forestry industry in Yoshino.

Hiroaki Fukuno, deputy director general, regional development department, Nara Prefectural Government, says it's a good way to introduce Singaporeans to Yoshino wood, known for its colour, scent and resistance to mold. And of course, quintessential Japanese handiwork.

NO TASTE FOR BAD TASTE, so Starck, so Bouroullec... so le French Design is on till Nov 16, at the National Design Centre, Atrium and Designing Gallery 1.

INTO THE WOODS: Yoshino Wood from Nara is on till Oct 30, at LUMINE Singapore, Clarke Quay Central Level 2, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street.

FRENCH FLAIR

BORGHESE SOFA by Noé Duchaufour Lawrance

This sculptural piece is named after the pine trees grown in the gardens of Villa Borghese in Rome. The wool-covered cushioned seats resemble the leaves, supported by a steel 'tree branch' framework. The Borghese Sofa was designed for La Chance.

S+ARCKBIKE SNOW by Philippe Starck

In 2014, Philippe Starck and Moustache Bikes unveiled a collection of electric bikes called M.A.S.S. - Mud Asphalt Sand Snow. As the name suggests, they are all-terrain bikes, even in snow. It even has a synthetic fur frame cover to protect the battery from extreme temperatures.

PLOUM by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec

The comfy Ploum sofa, designed for Ligne Roset, belies the intricate detail in its construction. The large settee is asymmetrical in construction - its right hand backrest is a little higher than its left, while the right hand seat is deeper than the left. Regardless of whether you're sitting or lying down, the Ploum pulls you right in.

VERTIGO by Constance Guisset

Nine years after its launch, the Vertigo hanging lamp is one of the most iconic lights in modern day. The pendant light is extremely lightweight, and responds to the slightest draught. When lit, it projects a graphic shadow pattern on the surrounding walls.

JAPANESE CRAFT

IZURU 09 by Izuru

Takuma Fujikawa followed in his father's footsteps to become an experienced craftsman. His studio Izuru makes only chairs in solid cedar and cypress wood. Unlike most chairs which have four legs, the Izuru 09 has only three. The front leg has an extra support that acts as a footrest and stabilises the chair. Its triangular seat and semicircle backrest make it extra comfortable to sit on.

CEDAR FLORAL MOTIF BROOCH by Hanai Shoten

Born and raised in a lumber mill specialising in Yoshino cedar, Keiko Hanai makes accessories out of wood strips. Each strip of cedar represents one year of the tree's growth. While they look thin, they have a natural luster and strength. She hopes that by wearing the accessories, consumers can feel close to the trees and to the Yoshino region.

LEGLESS CHAIR by Studio Jig

Woodmaker Kenta Hirai specialises in the technique of "free form lamination", which involves layering thin slices of Yoshino cedar, and crimping them into shape. This technique preserves the warmth of cedar, while making the pieces strong enough to be used as furniture. The curved arm and back of his Legless chair are made using this method.

WOODEN BUD VASES by MoonRounds

Takashi Watanabe founded MoonRounds, which produces housewares and furniture. Besides Yoshino cedar and cypress, Watanabe also uses other broadleaved woods, such as cherry wood, mulberry and camphor. To finish off, only plant-based dyes, waxes and oils are used. As the characteristic of each tree is different, no two pieces produced are the same.