Presence: A Sculptural Stainless-Steel Bench by So Koizumi for kuppography Takanawa Studio

A BENCH THAT FRAMES HUMAN PRESENCE

Designer So Koizumi of SO KOIZUMI DESIGN has created Presence, a stainless-steel bench commissioned for the main studio of kuppography Takanawa Studio in Tokyo. The piece reflects the studio’s vision of a “museum where people take center stage,” positioning the human body as the true focal point within the photographic space. With its interplay of straight axes and soft curves, the bench transcends its utilitarian role. It becomes a quiet sculptural object, heightening the atmosphere of the room while amplifying the presence of those who sit upon it.

The inherent coolness and rigidity of stainless steel contrast with the warmth of the human body, making the sitter’s silhouette and posture more vivid against the surface. This tension between material and body reinforces the design’s central theme: an object that does not dominate a space, but enriches the human figure within it.

FROM CYLINDER TO FORM

Rather than relying on complex three-dimensional modeling, Koizumi carved the geometry of Presence from a single cylindrical form. This primitive starting point allows the curves to feel natural and effortless, embodying both sculptural clarity and manufacturing feasibility. The result is a bench that balances conceptual elegance with practical construction, echoing a minimalist yet emotionally resonant design philosophy.

CREATION AND CONTEXT

Completed in August 2025 and fabricated by Yoji Kitagawa, Presence is installed at kuppography’s Takanawa Studio, located on the fifth floor of NEWoMan Takanawa South in Minato-ku, Tokyo. The project exemplifies Koizumi’s ongoing exploration of material expression, spatial atmosphere, and the subtle dialogue between object and human presence.

Project Outline

Title: Presence
Use: Bench, Stool
Designer: So Koizumi
Design Studio: SO KOIZUMI DESIGN / @so_koizumi_design
Material: Stainless Steel
Completion: August 2025
Photo Credit: SO KOIZUMI DESIGN, kuppography