Getting Inspired:Isamu Noguchi
As we’ve frequently discussed here on the blog, furniture design is considered an art and craft that combines functionality with form. Many of the previous inspirational designers and pieces we’ve featured have mastered the form versus function debate, creating pieces that are highly functional and aesthetically pleasing. One of the tenets of Mid-Century Modern design is that “form follows function but the pieces are still aesthetically pleasing.”
Few designers of this era have had as profound an influence as Isamu Noguchi, especially considering his practice ranged from sculpture to lighting and set design. On a recent visit to The Noguchi Museum in New York, our founder, Patrick Hayes, experienced his work firsthand and felt the connection between his art and the inspiration behind many of the pieces we produce in the studio. Although, Noguhi did not strictly identify with one singular artistic movement, his work across multiple disciplines (sculpture, lighting design, etc) was notable enough to have a considerable impact on decades of furniture design and is a testament to the idea that furniture can be more than just a utilitarian object; it can be a work of art that elevates the spaces we inhabit.
“Everything is Sculpture…”
Photo: Kevin Noble. © The Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum
One of Noguchi's most significant contributions to furniture design was his ability to blur the lines between art and functional design. His most famous quote “everything is sculpture…any material, any idea without hindrance born into space, I consider sculpture” and is on prime display in his most famous furniture piece, the Noguchi Coffee Table.
Produced by US manufacturer Herman Miller in 1947, it was described as “sculpture for use” in their catalog and perfectly encapsulates his approach to design.He saw furniture as an opportunity to create sculptures that could be interacted with daily. Its glass top seems to float above the sculptural wooden base, creating a harmonious fusion of form and function. Its clean lines and timeless elegance make it a staple in modern interiors even today.
Organic Forms
Here in the studio, we often talk about the biophilic connection; the innate affinity for nature that humans naturally have and how our most frequently used material, wood, is a reflection of this sensibility.
Similarly, Noguchi was deeply inspired by nature and often incorporated organic shapes and materials into his furniture designs. He believed that furniture should connect people to the natural world and that the use of organic forms could enhance the overall aesthetic of a space. This can be seen throughout his work on view at The Noguch Museum which showcases organic shaped pieces made of natural materials like stone and wood.
Also, his "Noguchi Akari" series of lamps, for instance, draw inspiration from traditional Japanese paper lanterns, and their soft, diffused light creates a tranquil atmosphere reminiscent of natural light filtering through leaves.
His biomorphic designs, such as the Freeform Sofa and the Cyclone Dining Table, also reflect this fascination with the natural world. The Freeform Sofa, with its flowing, organic curves, is a testament to his belief that furniture should be as comfortable to the body as the human form itself. The Cyclone Dining Table, on the other hand, features a twisting base inspired by the dynamic energy of a cyclone, providing both functionality and artistic expression
In classic Mid-Century Modern design sensibility, Noguchi was not afraid to experiment with materials and pushed the boundaries of what could be done with wood, glass, and metal, often collaborating with skilled craftsmen to bring his designs to life.His ability to work with unconventional materials led to the creation of furniture pieces that were not only visually stunning but also technically impressive, many of which are still in production today.
His innovative and artistic approach to functional objects has inspired countless designers and many continue (including ourselves) to draw inspiration from his work.