Ishinomaki Laboratory

092 ·

Ishinomaki Laboratory

An Experiment in DIY and Design

Keiji Ashizawa

Perhaps it is Ashizawa’s forward-thinking and pro-active Do-It-Yourself mentality that lead to the idea and solution titled ‘Ishinomaki Laboratory’. The independently owned and operated project was conceptualised in Ashizawa’s surrounding community in Japan after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. The need for immediate furniture encouraged the idea for affordable and simple designs that are conscious in form and function. With a permanent workshop located in Ishinomaki, the DIY concept started off as a common utility space offered free of charge for locals to conduct their own repair work, with materials provided by volunteers who are mostly designers in Tokyo. The facility also lent its hand in restoring local stores.

Awarded the renowned Good Design Award in 2012, Ishinomaki Laboratory is a new business model that puts the power back into the consumer and the community.

COVER IN PROGRESS Eds. Publication date Size Format ISBN Printed · EN Price Jun Kato, Joël Vacheron May 2023 6.2 x 9.2 in. / 17 x 24 cm Softcover · 256 pages 978-1-94876-581-7 $46 / €39 / £39

Related Titles Geometry, Simplicity, Play ISBN 978-1-94876-552-7 MCM: Milan, Capital of the Modern ISBN 978-1-94515-070-8 Make it Modern ISBN 978-1-94029-115-4