Ten out of ten

Ten projects. Ten years. Ten out of ten for Nendo and their new monograph "Nendo 10/10".
Nendo 10/10. Published by Gestalten.
Nendo 10/10. Published by Gestalten.

Nendo is, arguably, one of the most prolific design studios working today.

Founded in 2002 by Oki Sato in Tokyo, Nendo – which takes its name from the Japanese term for modeling clay –  have been producing work of a consistently high standard for more than a decade now.

And now a new book, a comprehensive monograph, reflects on the studio’s work of the past ten years. Nendo 10/10, published by Gestalten, consists of ten chapters, with each of the chapters exploring one of Nendo’s design principles. The principles that are looked at include their approach to multiplying, linking, concealing, balancing, magnifying and folding.

From exhibition spaces to sculptural furniture piece, stores concepts and home accessories, the projects featured in the monograph reflect Nendo’s clear, sophisticated design aesthetic.

Nendo’s work straddles the fields of architecture, interior design, product design and graphic design, not forgetting their sculptural and installation work. Functionality is a key feature of their work, as is the way it draws on established Japanese design traditions. Their work is also not without humour, as it often references Japanese pop culture.

Nendo 10/10 was released at the end of August 2013 and is available at Gestalten’s online shop.