Japanese designer Yuma Kano presents ForestBank™️, an inventive collection of furniture pieces crafted from wood, foliage, bark, soil, and seeds, showcasing an innovative material evoking the essence of terrazzo.
With a thoughtful visual narrative, Kano delves into the potential applications of his meticulously developed substance. ForestBank™️ is more than just a timber resource; it's a design concept striving to unlock diverse values within entire forests. Delving into the realm of forestry, Kano's research focuses on both challenges and prospects - his exploratory journey leads him to create new materials through thoughtful experimentation, culminating in a line of products that embody this distinctive vision.
The materials utilized encompass petite trees, foliage, bark, seeds, soil, and other seemingly insignificant components that often don't find their place in construction or furniture-making processes. These elements are ingeniously combined with a reactive mineral base and a water-based acrylic resin, devoid of any organic solvents or volatile organic compounds.
An intriguing facet of these creations lies in the ever-shifting patterns that emerge based on the angle and depth of each cut. This characteristic variability is amplified by the nuances of season, terrain, and other environmental factors prevalent during the forest's harvest. The distinct hues of yellow and green are an authentic reflection of the trees' natural coloring, further enriched by naturally occurring bacteria. Over time, the green leaves evolve into shades of orange and brown in tandem with the changing seasons. In a remarkable interplay, forest soil can also be incorporated, introducing earthy browns and blacks. This addition unveils intricate cross-sectional patterns of roots and seeds, typically concealed within the soil, accentuating the diverse palettes associated with distinct tree species.
This endeavor uncovers an alternative perspective on the ubiquitous nature of wood, unveiling a fresh realm of worth and utility. The resultant material lends itself to conventional woodworking techniques, facilitating applications across a spectrum of domains, including furniture and interior design. What's more, the material's sourcing extends beyond the confines of forests alone. By repurposing pruned branches from street trees, parklands, gardens, and utilizing discarded wood from woodworking studios, original patterns are woven, each narrating a distinct and compelling story.
