Omi Tahara
ABOUT THE DESIGNER
Japanese native Omi Tahara is a self-taught designer based in Milan. While completing his degree in civil engineering in Japan, Tahara was drawn to the profundity of modern design and opted for a career change. In 2003, he relocated to Italy to work with Milan- based designer Kazuhiko Tomita. He followed up this experience with a move to the design practice of Francesco Rota. In 2011, he established his own design studio and focuses his work on materials, functionalities and culture. His clients include De Padova and Yamakawa, a Japanese producer of rattan furniture where Tahara serves as art director.
AWARDS
Among Tahara’s recognitions are a special prize from French design magazine INTRAMUROS, a Red Dot Design Award and an iF Product Design Award.
Omi Tahara | Industrial H
An essential component of civil engineering, the ubiquitous H-beam made from structural steel has been reappropriated from its original function as a basic supportive element into a striking centerpiece, combining a profile in polished metal together with the sides that are left untreated that offer a dull, industrial appearance.
“I wanted to emphasize the impactful shape and primitive beauty of an everyday construction material. It is an important feature when building a home yet it is never considered purely for its aesthetics. The difference between the work of an artist and an industrial designer is that the designer looks to products that can be mass produced, taking into consideration both the manufacturing process and the aesthetics of materials.” - Omi Tahara
Omi Tahara | Terracotta
Made from handcrafted terracotta from storied Italian artisan producer Fornace Curti, a family-run manufacture of cotto lombardo with origins dating back to the 15th century, the elementary shapes reimagine traditional earthenware forms and create a harmonious expression that elegantly balances freedom with restraint.
“I wanted to reaffirm the value of terracotta. Design Editions offers an opportunity to explore the nature of materials in a new context. I selected terracotta for its warmth and the way it beautifully contrasts with the industrially produced aluminum frame.” - Omi Tahara