Mesa Bench for IFDA Asahikawa - 2017

The Mesa Bench was created for the 2017 IFDA Commemorative Exhibition in Asahikawa, Japan, celebrating both innovation and traditional woodworking. The flat-topped mesa landforms of the American Southwest inspire its overall silhouette.

The cantilevered seat appears to float above the base, a structural accomplishment achieved through precise joinery that showcases both technical skill and the inherent strength of half-lap joinery.

As a centerpiece for the IFDA’s 10th anniversary, the Mesa Bench embodies the exhibition’s ethos of designing wooden furniture to be cherished for generations. It aligns with the IFDA’s call for timeless, forward-thinking works that blend tradition with new ideas. The design philosophy of the bench centers on simplicity, functionality, and sustainability, serving both as a practical object and as a sculptural presence. By honoring Asahikawa’s rich furniture-making heritage while embracing contemporary innovation, the Mesa Bench stands as a testament to how modern furniture can respect tradition while looking toward the future.