Kengo Kuma x Gärsnäs.

A global architect and Gärsnäs join forces to create the HidaHida chair, an exciting hybrid of Japanese and Scandinavian design. This unique collaboration between architect Kengo Kuma and Gärsnäs is based on a common view on the importance of craftsmanship and materials.

“With HidaHida, I wanted to capture the softness of the human body’s form. Often the backs of chairs are hard, but here the felt is light and comfortable. The chair embraces you. A hanging skirt at the back elevates the chair’s conviviality and associates it with elegance and fashion. That’s what I wanted to express with HidaHida,” says Kengo Kuma.

The chair’s name comes from the Japanese word “hida”, meaning to drape. The name refers to the chair’s construction. The frame is architecturally distinct, with a steam-bent wooden bow as the unifying component. It bears the seat of recycled felt material, upholstered in fabric or leather. It’s here, in the covering textile, that the draped expression comes through, like a blanket placed over an armchair or a jacket hanging over the back of a chair. Clearly pronounced stitching contributes to the artisanal character. At the back, the upholstery hangs down freely, adding a soft, casual feeling. HidaHida is a chair to enjoy and an elegant symbol of the kinship between Japanese and Swedish design philosophy.

“We are proud to present a furniture design that communicates both Scandinavian and Japanese influences in its materials and form, with high quality, functionality and comfort. This is classical woodwork in combination with innovative upholstery techniques” says Dag Klockby at Gärsnäs.

Since 1990, the architecture firm of Kengo Kuma & Associates has created contemporary architecture with a focus on local building traditions, history and materials, primarily wood. Kengo Kuma himself is interested in interior architect and furniture-maker Åke Axelsson’s designs, especially his Nomad collection, a family of minimalistic craftsmanship. Kengo Kuma has had a Nomad table in his home for 10 years and is fascinated by its clever construction.

“The lightness of Åke Axelsson’s furniture is what I most admire, but also there is a certain approach to living, a devotion to life itself,” says Kengo Kuma.

That little table was a reason to get in touch with Gärsnäs. Via the Japanese agent, Koji Kimoto, who has worked with Gärsnäs for many years, contact was established between Kengo Kuma and the furniture factory in Österlen. The chair was designed by the architecture office and developed in our factory; craftsmanship and deep knowledge together with computer power.

HidaHida is available in beech or oak. The recycled felt seat and back are upholstered in fabric or leather.

HidaHida in collaboration with Kengo Kuma Associates, Coad & Materials and Gärsnäs.