Crease

There’s an old Japanese folk legend – Senbazuru: the folding of one thousand origami cranes. In Japan, cranes are considered mystical and or holy, and paper cranes were folded and offered to shrines and temples by those who sought blessings, which brought about the tradition – fold a thousand cranes and receive one wish. 

I’ve folded over 1000 cranes in my life without even knowing this legend, leading me to wonder what my wish would be and if it came true. Whether this theoretical wish came true or not, I continue to fold materials beyond paper.

Hi, I’m Tai, and this is my project : Crease. A 3-piece set of folding furniture for those who take joy in the rituals of motion of their everyday lives. With zero mechanical hardware, engaging movements, and only 3 materials, Crease invites oneself to the ritual of movement, creating a state of mind for equanimity and wonder. 

When you think of furniture, one of the first things you think of is: “Where will this go?” or “Is there space?”. Taking inspiration from simple and transformative traditional Japanese interior design, Crease values space within a room, flat-packing itself for ease of storage and moving. Whether to be out of sight or to make room for another activity, these three pieces consider the environment beyond its own space and usage.

Great things come in threes – a chair, a stool, and a desk.

A quick & swift motion announcing itself in an instant, blending in the next, chair.

Grounding one to their space with a unique silhouette, desk.

Humble yet confidently remaining considerate in its size, stool.

Having the freedom to choose when to work, sit, or relax, Crease allows for more than squeaky hinges and ugly storage. To invite the user into a purpose with an intuitive motion, moving alongside intent, Crease creates a space through mind and motion.