FORIS is an enameled stainless steel tableware collection designed for those who appreciate style as well as nature. We interviewed Jin Kuramoto, the product designer for FORIS, about his inspiration and process behind the design.
- Were there any user scenarios or images that served as inspiration for your design?
I drew on all my personal experiences camping, not just eating outdoors but also washing, drying dishes, and transporting gear. I also imagined the atmosphere of those situations, and tried to give it a tangible shape in the design.
I drew on all my personal experiences camping, not just eating outdoors but also washing, drying dishes, and transporting gear. I also imagined the atmosphere of those situations, and tried to give it a tangible shape in the design.
I think one of the joys of camping is improvising with whatever resources are available to you in your immediate environment. If using a fallen branch as a support for a tarp or creating a makeshift cooking surface from stones allows you to break away from your everyday routine and immerse yourself in nature, then I wanted these plates and utensils to be a canvas for users' ideas. I hope that this tableware will be a flexible prop that is creative, practical and inspiring, not just outdoors but at home, too.
- How did the characteristics of the material and manufacturing techniques influence your design?
Enamelware is created by fusing a layer of glass to a metal base, but FORIS is special because it uses stainless steel as the base material. We exposed the stainless-steel base to enhance the clean look by treating the edges. Enamelware has long been established as a method for making tableware and tools, but by introducing new details while preserving the beautiful watery texture, I think we have successfully unlocked new possibilities within this material.
Enamelware is created by fusing a layer of glass to a metal base, but FORIS is special because it uses stainless steel as the base material. We exposed the stainless-steel base to enhance the clean look by treating the edges. Enamelware has long been established as a method for making tableware and tools, but by introducing new details while preserving the beautiful watery texture, I think we have successfully unlocked new possibilities within this material.
- Did you encounter any particular challenges during the design process?
The shape of the holes for inserting handles on the plates and bowls required careful consideration. I thought the hole should convey their functionality as a cooking tool, but not be too assertive as to disrupt the peaceful feeling of the table when sitting down to eat. The protrusion with the hole reconciles these two opposing requirements, and became one of the defining features of this design.
The shape of the holes for inserting handles on the plates and bowls required careful consideration. I thought the hole should convey their functionality as a cooking tool, but not be too assertive as to disrupt the peaceful feeling of the table when sitting down to eat. The protrusion with the hole reconciles these two opposing requirements, and became one of the defining features of this design.
- How would you like users to enjoy FORIS?
FORIS is not just a plate, a bowl or a cup. Like the plate can be used as a lid for the bowl, each piece is a multifaceted tool that can be used in creative ways. I hope users will enjoy the functional beauty of the FORIS collection.
FORIS is not just a plate, a bowl or a cup. Like the plate can be used as a lid for the bowl, each piece is a multifaceted tool that can be used in creative ways. I hope users will enjoy the functional beauty of the FORIS collection.
[DESIGNER PROFILE]
Jin Kuramoto
Established JIN KURAMOTO STUDIO in 2008. With a reputation for giving project concepts and stories a distinct shape and form, he has designed various products including furniture, home appliances, eyewear, and automobiles. Director of the Japan Creative Association; appointed deputy chair of the Good Design Award judging committee in 2023.
COLLECTION PAGE
