MIKIYA KOBAYASHI
Born in 1981 in Tokyo, Mikiya Kobayashi founded his studio in 2006. Deeply rooted in his cultural heritage, he has been able to connect the tradition with new concepts, manufacturing processes and technologies.
In 2018 he opened his second studio in Valencia, to better connect with the increasing number of european clients, and established the lifestyle brand IMPLEMENTS, with the desire to deliver products that enrich people's lives. His projects embrace furniture, daily products, electronics, interior design in Japan and abroad.
INSPIRATIONS
SETAE_Madagascar Sunset Butterfly_©JULIA KOERNER
DESIGN VISIONS
ON WHAT DREW HIM INTO DESIGN
“I wanted to bring new objects to our everyday life but make them perceive as if they have always been there. I don't only think about the use of a product, but I am also focused on its emotional perspective, in order to make life more enjoyable. I believe good objects naturally have a positive influence on our lives.”
HIS DESIGN STYLE AND DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
“My philosophy is deeply connected to the materials. Regardless of the project's nature, I always start by studying and understanding the material I am going to use. What drives me during the design process is to be able to show the good qualities of that material and the meaning of using it for a specific product.”
HIS VIEW ON SUSTAINABILITY
“Sustainability is to keep in mind a product lifecycle from the very first stage of its development. The use of the right material for the right purpose is also a key point, in order to avoid waste.”
HOW DESIGNERS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO MAKE A BETTER TOMORROW
“I think design has an impact on both social and individual aspects of life. In this specific time where the covid-19 virus has spread around the world, people's lives have changed, and so their needs. I think as a designer is important to be sensitive to the constant change of our needs through the evolving lifestyle and be able to adapt and fulfill them through new ideas.”
NEW MATERIALS AND MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGIES
“It is very important to take the challenge of getting out of our comfort zone and explore new materials and manufacturing technologies. Especially when there are materials like ocean plastic, that removes waste from the water and gives it a new life. When I have the chance to work with something new, I want to be sure that the outcome will express the material and process at its best.”
THE FUTURE OF DESIGN
“I have the feeling that design is taking two opposite directions. We are facing a process of digitalization of our lives, but at the same time we are returning to the need for more "down to earth" products, as well as on-demand products.”
PREVIOUS WORKS
