Less, Light, Local – we+ | Interviews

The NORI Project exploring the future of seaweed through Arakawa Grip technology

In Milan Design Week 2023, we were invited to collaborate with we+, acontemporary design studio, to exhibit works that expand the possibilities of ARAKAWA GRIP at Almach Art Gallery, one of the most prestigious galleries in Milan, where ARAKAWA GRIP has long been a favorite of customers. This project combines the cutting-edge wire system "ARAKAWA GRIP", from Arakawa & Co., Ltd. and the innovative
"NORI" research project by we+.
This collaboration opened up new possibilities for seaweed. This exhibition seeks to give new value to these discarded and non-edible ITA NORI. ARAKAWA GRIP, known for creating light and open spaces by combining a variety of materials, such as glass and wood, will show their expertise in installation and lighting, using NORI in sheet form, as the
primary material, which is strong, light and sustainable. Just as ITA NORI originated from Japanese traditional craft, the exhibits draw their inspiration from those handcrafted techniques, using local materials and techniques to create a simple design. The exhibition not only explored the future of products but also presented new ways of using ITA NORI as a new material, which was attracting interest from around the world as seaweed is a material deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

Seaweed as New Material

Following their work inspired by natural phenomena such as water, wind, and light, we+ has turned their attention to the ocean in their new work "Less, Light, Local. They have been experimenting with marine resources for several years, and their focus is now on seaweed. In Europe, research projects on seaweed are underway, substituting seaweed for leather or using it as a roofing material, etc. Thinking about Japan, we are blessed with abundant marine resources. Although Japan has a limited land area, it has the world's sixth-largest oceanic area in so-called exclusive economic zones.
Nevertheless, seaweed has never been more than food for this country. Now we+ see that there are other possibilities. According to Hayashi, numerous types of seaweed are not distributed because of their quality, and surprisingly, much of them goes to waste. We+ started this project with the idea of utilizing the resources efficiently. The discolored seaweeds that have not been well nourished are called "the fading of color" and are disposed of as non-merchandisable. This exhibition demonstrated the potential of seaweed as a material for building materials and furniture by giving new life to seaweed that would otherwise be discarded. Seaweed is utilized in various forms, including installations and lighting pieces that resemble traditional Japanese shoji screens.
Interestingly, the sheet of dried seaweed was originally derived from the technique of making washi paper. If so, seaweed may be used as a substitute for Japanese washi paper products. The creation of paper products is a culture unique to East Asia, including Japan. It is a way of using materials rooted in craftsmanship. At first, seaweed was only available in paste form. Eventually, the demand for convenience led to applying the washi paper technique to produce the current sheet form.

Unlock the Potential of the Materials

The essence of this work is the upside-down thinking of utilizing such a vernacular ingredient that carries on a craft tradition to create unexpected contemporary products. The creators demonstrate their talents the most in taking familiar things into unfamiliar things and vice versa. Today, manufacturing is often automated, though the fibers of seaweed are a pile of small pieces with rich expressions. The texture nuances become more apparent when the color fades. The shimmering surface, distinct from that of Japanese paper, is a fascinating feature of this work. While research conducted by we+ has shown that seaweed alone can be used as a material, combining it with natural glue such as starch glue, the seaweed gains strength. Hayashi feels that utilizing marine resources is a challenge for Japan, opening the door to innovations, and he can contribute to it as a designer. Ando adds that there is plenty of new things today, to the point that one might even argue that it is unnecessary to create anything new. However, the question is, what can we do as designers in this situation? Hayashi continues that although this may not change the world, small efforts can lead to something that moves
the public at large. They hope to avoid making environmental issues of this kind overly critical which tends to be the case. We+ is committed to developing a product that is pleasurable as well as aesthetic. Their ultimate goal is to bring this project to the point where a substitute generated by seaweed is more appealing than Japanese washi paper.