World Expo Osaka 2025World Expo Osaka 2025

The overall concept for the scenographic elements (exhibition furniture) reconsiders the potential of leftover and offcut Japanese hinoki wood. Reflecting the artisanship of Japanese carpentry and wooden joinery techniques, the furniture set explores the assembly of smaller pieces along their length using splicing joints. By following a repetitive process while introducing variations in joint types, the design achieves both uniqueness and modularity. A stool leg, for instance, turns leftover wood into a beautiful interlocking puzzle. This approach allows for variations in colour, texture, wood type and joint styles, creating endless and cost-effective diversity within the same object and process. From stools and benches to vertical shelves and folding screens, the pieces follow a basic principle of a panel clipped onto legs, allowing for effortless construction and easy disassembly.

The elements are designed to meet the specific requirements of the presentations, which will be installed and dismantled every weekend and stored during the week. Consequently, they are flexible, storable, adaptable and durable.

The beauty of this collaboration lies in its potential to create versatile, flexible furniture that works not only within the event space or the Expo but also in homes and other settings. Rather than designing separate objects or furniture pieces, the aim is to develop an innovative, functional and modular system that adapts to different contexts. This approach addresses the need to rethink scenographic hardware while taking into account the specific opportunities and constraints of the Dutch Pavilion. The collaboration between Studio ACTE and Morodomi merges tradition, functionality and contemporary necessity, and in doing so offers a more sustainable alternative to scenography in museums, galleries and other environments.

Studio ACTE is a Dutch-French architecture practice founded in Rotterdam by Estelle Barriol. The studio specialises in exploring resilient forms of architecture inspired by vernacular systems, with a focus on low-tech and geo-sourced designs that prioritise reuse. Their Design and Build method aims to create regenerative architectures that promote collective self-building processes and integrate craft and aesthetics as essential components of sustainability. Studio ACTE emphasises hands-on research to create unique built forms that concentrate on details and assemblies rather than standard elements.

Morodomi, a town renowned for its furniture production, has developed alongside Okawa, Japan’s largest furniture-producing region, across the Chikugo River. The town’s identity is closely tied to the industry, with Morodomi Furniture emerging as a well-established brand in its own right. “Branding by locality” is common in Japan and has helped Morodomi gain recognition both nationally and internationally. The opening of the Morodomi-Okawa Bridge in 1955 facilitated transportation and material procurement from Okawa, marking the beginning of Morodomi’s rise as a centre of furniture making. Legnatec Co., Ltd. builds on this legacy and specialises in high-quality wooden furniture for modern lifestyles. By carefully selecting solid wood and combining craft with technology, the company delivers timeless and refined designs. The Ariake brand, launched by Legnatec and Hirata Chair, works with world-renowned designers, exports to over 20 countries and has earned significant recognition in the global market. Legnatec preserves tradition while embracing innovation, establishing itself as a leader in the future of Morodomi Furniture.