90° Bench

Norm Architects was founded in 2008. The multidisciplinary design studio works within the fields of industrial design, residential architecture, commercial interiors, photography and art direction. Much like human well-being, the essence of Norm Architects’ work is found in balance — between richness and restraint, order and complexity. Each project — whether in architecture, interiors, design or creative direction — is imbued with the same intrinsic quality: a simplicity that carries bigger ideas. Guided by the body and mind rather than by trends or technology, their projects explore ideas that not only look good, but feel good too: Architecture be- comes thoughtful, minimalism acquires softness and visual matter assumes haptic qualities. Their work is sharp and crisp, and exudes, tacitly, a focus on quality, details and durability. Situated in one of the oldest streets of Copenhagen, Denmark, the studio is respectful to its context here and build on the traditions of Scandinavian de- sign — of timeless aesthetics, natural materials and upholding modernist principles of restraint and refinement. Through exploring what it is that heightens the human senses regardless of personal preference, their projects strip spaces, objects, ideas and images back to their simplest form. Their expertise lies in finding the balance — when there’s nothing more to either add nor take away.

Founded in 2011, Ishinomaki Laboratory started as a simple, public workshop for the local community devastated by the tsunami triggered by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Along with running DIY workshops for residents affected by the disaster, we participated in restoring and renovating local shops – as well as creating spaces where people could reimagine the future of the city together. One of the highlights from the early days was working together with local high school students to build over 40 benches for an outdoor cinema. In the fall of 2011, Herman Miller joined the assistance program in areas affected by the earthquake and collaborated with Ishinomaki Laboratory to run furniture workshops for locals, with the furniture constructed offered free of charge. These design-centred workshops, where DIY skills and ideas are shared, are still being run to this day. Combining good design with “handmade” products, the Ishinomaki Laboratory label was launched to market the products beyond the local community. Talented designers from Japan and abroad work with the Ishinomaki Laboratory team to create a lineup of furniture and items that can be enjoyed together. As the world’s first DIY label, Ishinomaki Laboratory is expanding the world and potential of DIY with good design. Through our activities, the belief is that DIY and design can energise people and communities – and life as a whole – in any situation or environment. Our hope is that people around the world can rediscover their own innate creativity, to enrich everyday life and society for a more fulfilling future.