Fukasawa’s collaboration with B&B Italia has produced iconic pieces that epitomise his minimalist ethos. The Papilio series, including the Grande Papilio armchair and the Mini Papilio chair, showcases his ability to create sculptural forms that embrace the human body.

His Shelf X bookcase for the Italian manufacturer further demonstrates his talent for turning simple concepts into extraordinary designs. In this exclusive interview with Tatler Homes, Fukasawa reveals his creative process, his vision for the future of design, and the philosophy that has made him a titan in his field.

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Tell us more about your new design for B&B Italia.

I have been working for B&B Italia for almost 20 years. Most of my products for them are sofas because they have the technology and machines to mould such big, oversized pieces.

So, I was more in charge of making individual, self-standing sculptures, such as chairs like the Grande Papilio and Harbour.

My new armchair, Omoi, had many references from one category, just like the Grande Papilio and Harbour, where we create an iconic object in the home. This year, I tried to make a chair with the Japanese characteristic of kawaii, or cute.

At first, I wanted to name it a hippopotamus. But there was some negative feedback on that due to copyright, so I thought of an object lying quietly in the room like it’s in meditation, and meditation is what we Japanese call “Omoi”.

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How has your work for B&B Italia evolved?

B&B Italia only collaborates with a few key people. So, I was lucky that I had already joined the group in the beginning. Our relationship hasn’t changed since then. The company’s product development team has a strong relationship with me, and we work together on-site at the B&B Italia factory.

They would have expectations regarding the style of work, but they would also need to realise that I also read their minds to give them something unique. So, our desire is to make an object that is already shared before we realise it. There must be a good relationship to make these kinds of things happen naturally—or accidentally.

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What was the process of designing these pieces like?

We made very precise sketches or sometimes very rough outline sketches, which were given to them. Then, the B&B Italia team immediately started prototyping, and I visited them to see the first prototype. Then, naturally, I draw to define this prototype’s outline and surface. That is very interesting because people love it when I change the curve with a pencil—that’s a nice way of communicating, I think.

For Tertrami, which we presented last year, the initial point we started designing was a famous shelving system I had done for B&B Italia called Shelf X, made from artificial marble. They wanted the same sort of typology, but made of wood. The design was very well received, so they asked us to extend the collection to a cabinet.

One of the important features of the cabinet is how the length is divided between the three [containers], and one of the dividers forms the legs, so we do not add extra legs; it’s just a T shape. That is also why we called it Tetrami, which means Tetris.

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Why do you think your B&B Italia pieces are so popular?

I’m good at catching people’s minds and translating them into visual concepts. Human behaviour isn’t primarily driven by conscious thought, but rather by instinctive bodily reactions. By carefully observing natural human behaviour, we can gain insight into people’s actions and preferences.

As a designer, I don’t focus on individual character traits. Instead, I concentrate on the common aspects of human nature and potential future needs. This approach allows me to anticipate trends and innovations that may emerge in the near future. My ability to read and predict these shared human experiences is crucial to my design process. It enables me to create products and solutions that stem from collective human needs and desires, rather than just my own personal perspective.

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Is there a material you never tire of using?

While wood and metal are common materials in furniture manufacturing, B&B Italia’s main innovation is its large-scale moulding machine, which allows the brand to create even large pieces like sofas as a single unit rather than assembling separate parts. As a result, the entire seat structure is made from foam. In my role, I work as a sculptor, shaping this foam material to create furniture designs.

Is minimalism still relevant in today’s design landscape?

Minimalism isn’t just about form; it’s about creating an ideal relationship between humans, objects, and the environment. The goal is to achieve a perfect fit where these elements are harmonised and integrated. This is minimalism’s essence: eliminating extraneous elements so that only the essentials remain. There are no superfluous features or distractions, just a pure, purposeful connection between user, product, and surroundings. 

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What motivates you as a designer?

To fit things together perfectly. For example, I can provide precise recommendations when company designers ask for specific measurements. I have a keen eye for the interplay between objects and their surroundings. I can visualise the outline of an object against its environment, and thus discern whether the proportions are excessive or insufficient. The measurements result in a more harmonious and balanced design, enhancing the overall fit within the given space.

In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges designers are facing today?

Design may seem like a small force in creating global happiness, but its impact is actually quite powerful, even if it’s subtle. It’s like a tiny switch that can change the direction of a massive ship. If we create just one perfectly designed chair that brings happiness, it has the potential to shift focus towards a more joyful life. This small action can significantly influence the world and improve our overall quality of life.

What and who inspires you?

Life, particularly human life and desires. Observing life is not just my role or hobby; it’s also about understanding my customers. I’m constantly engaged with life, always alert to what might be missing or causing people discomfort. When I identify these issues, I can address them through design, refining and improving the human experience.

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