The Ripples wooden bench designed by Toyo Ito for Horm turns 20

19/01/2024 - The Ripples wooden bench by Horm turns 20. Designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito, the seat evokes the fluidity of water through the overlapping of 5 hand-sanded wooden layers.

Ripples was initially conceived as a steel and stone art installation in Roppongi Hills, central Tokyo. Toyo Ito had been inspired by the soft, delicate circles like waves propagating on the surface of water. Only in 2003 - when the architect met Horm - he decided to give the bench a new life using five different woods: walnut, mahogany, cherry, oak and ash.

The different colour and material nuances emerge from the concave sanding of the multilayer wood. The enveloping, skilfully sculpted seats are finished entirely by hand to produce an elegant polychrome effect, thanks to the ductility of the wood. The transition between the various woods is actually imperceptible to the touch.

The Iconic Ripples Bench by Horm Turns 20 2

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In 2004, the Ripples bench also received the Compasso d'Oro ADI Award, the world's oldest and most authoritative design prize.

A true icon, Ripples is a bench suitable for the home as well as for contract sector, museums, commercial or public spaces.

Over time, it has permeated all living spaces, giving rise to a proper collection consisting of various furnishing accessories such as tables, stools, outdoor seating, side tables, bedside tables and cupboards.

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