CO-DESIGN CHALLENGE
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Fortmarei has taken part in the Co-Design Challenge, an initiave by the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan that challenges various companies to work together in an effort to create a sustainable and brighter future society that the Expo aims for.
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
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UMI is made of unused lumber from forest thinning that promote healthy forest growth, and has been crafted into a bench for the Expo venue. No screws or other metal parts are used. This project was carried out under the leadership of Ace Japan, in collaboration with Double Clutch.
SINGLE SHEET PRESS
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The production method and the specifications of the machine were predefined: a single stamp of a flat sheet with a maximum mold size of 1230x1230mm.
THE IDEA
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By creatively cutting the maximum size sheet of the mold into organic shapes, we create the seats, legs and support parts in a single press that make up the bench. The resulting aesthetic closely resembles the 2025 Expo’s official design system.
PUZZLE PIECES
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This shows how a single sheet made of unused lumber from forest thinning transforms into a bench.
DESIGNED TO AUTOMOTIVE STANDARDS
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This white graph along the seat surface represents the acceleration of the curve that defines the outline. Every curve on this bench is created to meet automotive standards: ie perfectly controlled curvature, leading to a sculptural, unified feeling. As if every curve was alwasy meant to be exactly like this
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CGI VISUALISATION
Part of Fortmarei’s service offering is the creation of computer generated imaging: photorealistic images created using creativity and computer power.
AT THE SHOP
Thanks to the hard work of our engineering partner, Ace Japan, and the support of Double Clutch, 2,000 benches were produced.
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CO-SPONSOR
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Organizer
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AceJapan Co., Ltd.
The company’s main businesses include logistics management, the sale of packaging materials, and the development and manufacturing of pallets made from unused lumber sourced from forest thinning—the raw material for UMI. Additionally, it is involved in various other fields, such as transportation, warehousing, insurance, and real estate consulting.
Engineering Adviser
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Double Clutch Corp.
Based in Kyoto, the company operates on three core pillars: “research and development for commercial vehicles,” “planning, manufacturing, and sales of mobility products,” and “logistics services.” By advancing these three businesses at a high level and integrating them flexibly, it aims to “shape the future of fun cars.”
Supporters Behind UMI’s Creation
*Coming soon
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With the cooperation of municipalities, companies, and organizations across Japan, we have been able to complete UMI. This project aligns with the philosophy of the Osaka-Kansai Expo’s Co-Design Challenge program and aims to realize the circular society we envision.
