SENBAN

To begin with, Lathing is one of the technique to process objects by rotating and shaping. Round rod is often used for it because squared shape hits back chisels on its edges during rotating. When we joined the Japanese Architect Team for Venice Biennale 2021 at Venice, we made original lathe with an idea to shape rotating square wooden pillar from demolished Japanese old house from 1950s with circular saw spinning in same direction as the pillar to make round pole in same size as scaffoldings (Φ48.6mm). Scaffoldings were main supporting material of the old pillar for the exhibition in Japan Pavilion. Our aim to make the same diameter as scaffolding was to design new relationship between the two different object by connecting directly. Not just with scaffoldings, we also designed some pieces of furniture like bench &table made only with the shaped pillars.
This lathe’s unique character that shapes anything in desired shape regardless of object’s form deeply tickles our curiosity. We made some different products, Table, Fruit bowl, and stone bottle cap for this year’s Alcova.