Kengo Horikoshi
Design Products MA
Royal College of Art
Specialisms: Product Design / Furniture / Industrial Design
Location: London, United Kingdom
Kengo Horikoshi
First Name: Kengo
Last Name: Horikoshi
Specialisms: Product Design / Furniture / Industrial Design
Sectors:
My Location: London, United Kingdom
University / College: Royal College of Art
Course / Program Title: Design Products MA
About
Kengo Horikoshi is a Japanese product designer based in London. Beyond mere functionality and production efficiency, he strives to create products that captivate the senses, offering a visually pleasing experience and an exciting user engagement. His daily endeavours are driven by the hope of contributing, even if just a little, to enhancing the happiness and inspirational moments in the lives of users. After graduating with a major in law from Keio University in Tokyo, he began his professional journey at Mitsui & Co., Ltd., a leading Japanese trading and investment company, where he focused on new business development. Following a tenure in the United States, he pivoted his career towards his aspiration of becoming a product designer by enrolling at the University of the Arts London. In his second year there, he was admitted to the Royal College of Art, where he completed the Master's program (MA Design Products).
Stand by You is a collection of anthropomorphised furniture pieces. While serving its function as furniture, it is designed to foster deep affection, enhance daily happiness, and reduce feelings of loneliness. Anthropomorphism has the effect of creating an emotional connection between people and objects. Everyone has probably experienced a moment of joy upon discovering a wood grain or knot that resembles a smiling face. I have also thoroughly researched the principles and common elements of objects known to boost happiness and reduce loneliness, such as humanoids, pets, and stuffed animals. These insights have been incorporated into the furniture's design, shape, colour, material, and functionality. In addition to functioning as shelves, chairs, and side tables, these pieces feature a cheerful and colourful appearance that can be customised with accessories like hats, scarves, or leg warmers. The natural wood grain is preserved to convey a sense of warmth from nature.
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