Published by Nelson Roberge
Hideaki Asaoka is from Takayama, a beautiful city in central Japan surrounded by mountains. Hideaki conceptualized his first project in which the primary idea was to create a game using a deck of cards. He was then commissionedto create the graphic design for the cards. Since then, the young designer found himself pursuing his design studies at the Art University in Nagoya. He currently works for a design studio, but also has his own studio in Tokyo.
Baron was inspired by the design of a unique desk created by Hideaki : The Siori desk. Interview with the 22 year-old designer.
Baron : Can you tell me about the concept behind the Siori desk? What were your inspirations And What was the main objective when behind your concept?
Hideaki Asaoka: I originally made it for a friend who is a multimedia artist. She wanted a desk of her own to do some computer work and she happens to work with someone else from time to time.
So, I suggested the desk should consist of two different tables. When she works with someone else, she can have two desks, and when she works alone, she can just easily turn it into one single desk. Her job consists in computer work, so I made a table adapted for a stress-free environment. For instance, when we use a computer and some other electronic devices, wire tangles can often be an irritant.This table enables you to neatly stow them away .
B: What part do you like most about your Siori desk?
H.A. : I like its color. I believe that green is good for our eyes, Isn’t it right ?
B :Is it possible to purchase this desk can you simply produce it on demand?
H. A. : If you visit my website and send me an order, I could produce it. I’ve done a workshop with other designers , but I make my own products. It’s cool, isn’t it ?
B : As a designer, what’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
H. A. : My teacher, who is an architect said ”Design is as much for (everyday) things, as it is for spaces, for people, and for cities”. It means, you shouldn’t make works just be cool, But be useful for society. This means that your work must not only be cool but useful to society as well.
B : On the other hand, what’s the best advice you’ve ever given to an aspiring designer?
H. A. : ” The answer is outside yourself”. I think it cannot only be inside yourself. An idea can be more incredible than your initial idea if you collaborate with someone else, get advice, see other people’s work, etc. Don’t you think it is more creative that an idea can be brought forward by many people, rather than by one alone ?
B: You are from Takayama in Japan. If I was travelling in the city, , what would be the best spots for me to discover And why ?
H. A. : My hometown Takayama is a popular sightseeing destination amongst foreigners because there are many traditional places to visit. I think it’s like a small Kyoto, you can have a sense of what the Old Japan was like and not only that, Takayama is a city of crafts ! There are many woodworking, furniture workshops and architect offices. By the way ‘TRAIN BLEU’ in Takayama is one of the most famous bakery shops in Japan.