takt project utilizes natural dyes in bespoke plastic table collection

plastics, in all their various forms, are a quintessential element in the world of mass-production. objects can be made with the material efficiently and identically, while simultaneously maintaining relatively-low production costs. however, average consumers have begun shying away from the homogenous culture created by replicability. people want to be different: a trend clearly seen in the skyrocketing of products (computers, sneakers, etc.) that can be individualized by the buyer.

natural dyes: safflower, cherry blossom, and japanese indigo
all images courtesy of takt project & masayuki hayashi

this has created an edge point where individual taste meets the advantages of mass-production. ‘dye it yourself’, is one such embodiment of this concept, and proposes a change in direction for plastic objects and furniture. designed by japanese studio takt project, ‘dye it yourself’ is a series of tables made of a porous plastic composite. the material is frequently used in industrial applications, but is rarely found in consumer goods. by re-interpreting its porous characteristics, takt project found it to be easily dyeable using natural means such as: safflower, cherry blossom, and japanese indigo.

‘dye it yourself’ table soaking up safflower 

using nothing but color, a simple mass-produced table transforms into a one-off furniture element that showcases the individual expressions of its owner. takt project sees ‘dye it yourself’ as a proposition that can alter the relationship between product and consumer, bringing them both closer to a yet unseen horizon. the ‘dye it yourself’ furniture collection was presented at the any tokyo exhibition during tokyo design week 2015. 

material samples 

dyed by japanese indigo + chestnut 

japanese indigo + chestnut top detail 

dyed by leaf of cherry blossom + chestnut

leaf of cherry blossom + chestnut top detail 

dyed by safflower + japanese indigo

safflower + japanese indigo top detail 

‘dye it yourself’ tables on display at any tokyo exhibition  

dyes and samples displayed during the exhibit 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions  feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: nick brink | designboom