帯 (Obi)

Rigid and soft, fastened together as one system.

The Musubi Collection is a trilogy of furniture (a sofa, a low bench and a coffee table) that explores the intersection of Japanese design philosophy and international minimalism. The defining detail of the collection is its structure: fluid hard maple frames anchored by structural fabric belts tied with traditional martial arts gi knots. This textile element works as a functional fastener for the upholstery and as a cultural signature at once. The same rigid-plus-soft concept runs through my hardware work; a soft, tensioned element performing structural functions against a rigid frame, expressed here in wood and textile.

Continuous curves, both machined and hand-finished.

Bringing these sculptural forms to life required a combination of digital craftsmanship and traditional hand-finishing techniques. To achieve the fluid transitions and organic under-bevels of the hard maple frames, the digital models were translated into complex toolpaths and machined on a 3-axis CNC router using a precise flip-cut operation to reach curves on multiple faces. This is paired with a custom-cut, heavy-gauge plate-glass top with polished sweeping radii, which keeps the interlocking maple geometry the focal point from every angle.

A complete, full-scale trilogy was unveiled at the ArtCenter.

The final full-scale prototypes were unveiled at the ArtCenter College of Design Graduation Show, marking the culmination of the thesis project.

The system comprises a sofa, a low bench and a coffee table.
The integration features structural textile belts with a GI-knot fastening on hard maple frames.
The fabrication process involves 3-axis CNC flip-cut machining, hand finishing and a plate-glass top.
The outcome is a full-scale trilogy exhibited at the ArtCenter Graduation Show.