Outdoor crafts, recycled fibers, and semi-industrial processes scale from micro to macro. Transforming handmade recycled materials into furniture and micro-architecture.
Kengo Kuma designed the Gandia Blasco Group's Salone del Mobile 2025 stand, drawing inspiration from his HOS limited edition collection for GANDIABLASCO EDITION. The stand features soft partitions made from recycled PET fabrics, developed with artisans the group has collaborated with for 30 years.
Kuma's process began with an exploration of PET fibers for the HOS furniture collection, which combines architectural wooden structures with the texture of a rug. This innovative approach extended to the stand's design, contrasting the soft recycled PET fabric skillfully crafted by artisans in India, with a strong wooden frame made of Teak wood. This blend expresses a dynamic interplay of form and material.
The stand's architecture directly translates the HOS collection's core elements: Japanese construction-inspired wooden frames and substantial recycled PET fabrics. These fabrics, integrated into the structure, mimic natural phenomena like rain or fog through their patterns. The challenge was to transform the furniture's aesthetic into an enveloping, fluid, and natural exhibition space, extending the product's architectural language.
Kuma focused on the relationship between wood and fabric, demonstrating how materials like HOS's recycled PET can transcend furniture to become architectural elements. He emphasizes that these fabrics can be used for furniture, partitions, and architectural interiors, reflecting a desire for "greater tenderness" through suspended fabric designs.
The Salone del Mobile booth exemplifies sustainable design through conscious material sourcing, minimizing waste and climate impact. Its biophilic patterns promote well-being, while its adaptable form offers versatile functionality, aligning with inclusive design principles and responsible manufacturing practices.
Gandia Blasco Booth
Kengo Kuma & Associates
Gold
Gold

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Peter Greenberg
Partner
at Ester Bruzkus Architekten
The trade fair stand is restrained,...
9.5
9.5
9.5
9
9.38

Paul Birkhead
Cofounder and Creative Director
at Syn Retail
9
8
8.5
9
8.63

Paolo Torri
Exhibition Design Manager
at Pedrali
9
9
9
9.5
9.13

Ethan Yao
China Resources Land
at Deputy General Manager and Chief Architect of Design Management
8.5
7.5
7.5
8
7.88

Ray Chou
Founder and Creative Director
at Vermilion Zhou Design Group
7
8
8
8.5
7.88

Ina Nikolova
Partner & Senior Project Manager
at Kinzo Architekten
9
9
8.5
8.5
8.75

Clemence Pirajean
Cofounder
at Pirajean Lees
8.5
8.5
9
8
8.5

Alexandra Cantacuzene
Director of Interior Design
at Al Futtaim Real Estate Group
8
7.5
8
8.5
8

Ali Mohammadioun
Founder
at E plus A Atelier
9
8.5
8.5
9
8.75
Vandana Dhawan Saxena
Founder and Design Principal
at Studio IV Designs
8
8
8
8.5
8.13

Peter Greenberg
Partner
at Ester Bruzkus Architekten
The use of recycled PET fibers low...
9
8.5
9.5
9.5
9.13

Paolo Torri
Exhibition Design Manager
at Pedrali
8.5
9
8.5
9
8.75

Ethan Yao
China Resources Land
at Deputy General Manager and Chief Architect of Design Management
9
7.5
7.5
8.5
8.13

Ray Chou
Founder and Creative Director
at Vermilion Zhou Design Group
7.5
8.5
7
9
8

Ina Nikolova
Partner & Senior Project Manager
at Kinzo Architekten
9
8.5
8.5
9
8.75

Clemence Pirajean
Cofounder
at Pirajean Lees
9
8.5
8.5
8.5
8.63

Alexandra Cantacuzene
Director of Interior Design
at Al Futtaim Real Estate Group
8.5
8.5
8
8.5
8.38

Ali Mohammadioun
Founder
at E plus A Atelier
9
8.5
9
8.5
8.75

Paul Birkhead
Cofounder and Creative Director
at Syn Retail
8
8.5
8.5
8.5
8.38
Vandana Dhawan Saxena
Founder and Design Principal
at Studio IV Designs
8
8
8.5
8.5
8.25
Designer
Client
Gandia Blasco
Floor area
218 ㎡
Completion
2025
Furniture