A devastating earthquake in northeast Japan was the catalyst for a new, community-building initiative to empower individuals through DIY. In 2011, Ishinomaki Laboratory began helping the city rebuild itself through simple, DIY furniture workshops using available materials and skills. Taking the concept out into the wider world under the moniker Made in Local, MENU joins forces with the Japanese furnituremaker and designer TORAFU ARCHITECTS to create the AA STOOL.
“Ishinomaki Laboratory is now more than just a brand which originated in a disaster-stricken area: it has become
a model for small, local brands and ventures contributing to regional revitalisation. And now, through the Made in Local initiative, we can share with our partners around the world the significance, the uniqueness and even the fun of Made in Local, as well as the various lessons that can be drawn from our story. Ishinomaki Laboratory’s furniture is for everyone and everyday life,” says founder Keiji Ashizawa.
Produced in Denmark from locally grown Danish Douglas fir, the handcrafted stool is as simple as it is versatile. The flat pack design features exposed screws and dimensional lumber, pushing the boundaries of do-it-yourself to create an innovative seat that uses materials effectively. The AA STOOL comes in a pack of two, available in two sizes: medium or tall; AA STOOL and AA HIGH STOOL. Each can be used individually or in combination to create a wider seat.
About The Designers
Founded in Japan in 2004 by Koichi Suzuno and Shinya Kamuro, TORAFU ARCHITECTS employs a working approach based on architectural thinking. From architectural and interior design to product design, spatial installations and filmmaking, the duo has garnered attention beyond their native Japan, receiving numerous honours for their work. In 2015, one of their designs was selected for the permanent collection at Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.
