OUTLINE Barstools

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.

Ariake is a furniture brand founded by Legnatec and Hirata Chair, two factories from the furniture producing town of Morodomi in Saga prefecture, Japan. Named after the Ariake Sea in Southern Japan, Ariake means daybreak in Japanese. It symbolizes a new chapter for the two factories as they embark on a collaboration with international designers for the global market. It is our belief that strong working relationships are the foundation of good products. Furniture is made for social situations where people live, work and eat together. The creation of the Ariake brand and furniture designs were done over two intensive workshops in Morodomi where furniture designers, art director, photographer and craftsmen did the same – we lived, worked and ate together over. Despite language barriers, the designers and craftsmen generated a collective energy and mutual trust that helped define the soul of the brand. This resulted in a collection of furniture that utilizes the best of hand and machine, inspired by the spirituality of Japanese culture and urban living contexts. We present to you a 30-piece collection made from oak, ash, hinoki, cedar, leather, paper cord, cotton canvas, upholstery and unique finishes such as sumi and indigo dye. Each piece is crafted in Morodomi, with furniture designs by Anderssen & Voll, Gabriel Tan, Keiji Ashizawa, Norm Architects, Note Design Studio, Shin Azumi, Staffan Holm, Zoe Mowat, Studio MK27, Photography Sebastian Stadler, Art Direction by AnnerPerrin.