mikiya kobayashi creates bottle-like 'HIBI' radio for lexon

japanese studio mikiya kobayashi inc. has collaborated alongside french design brand lexon to create the HIBI radio and speaker. emulating a common water bottle, the shape of the radio is intended to replicate objects and items already a familiar part of our everyday life. this aim is reflected by the product’s name, ‘HIBI’ which means ‘daily life’ in japanese. 

the speakers are a collaboration between mikiya kobayashi and french design brand lexon

‘its simple yet original design easily fits different spaces,’ explains mikiya kobayashi, ‘I always think about the relationship between space and object when I design something. it was all the more important here, as a radio-speaker spreads sound around itself.’ the speaker is available in three different color routes, and features a striated curving form that aids in the radiation of sound. the device is turned on or off using a large central power button, which also functions as a tuning dial. the ergonomic form of the item was created to make portability a priority, allowing the speaker to be integrated seamlessly into spaces or pockets normally designed for water bottles.

for kobayashi, the chance to collaborate with lexon was a lifelong goal: ‘I have known lexon since I was very young, even before I wanted to be a designer! at the time, I got myself the famous tykho radio, that I still have. since then, this brand has always kept on catching my interest. I grew up with it in a way, so when I had the opportunity to work with lexon as a designer, it really was a dream come true.’

the shape of the radio is intended to replicate objects and items already familiar to us

the name ‘HIBI’ means ‘daily life’ in japanese

‘its simple yet original design easily fits different spaces,’ explains mikiya kobayashi

for kobayashi, the chance to collaborate with lexon was a dream come true

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: peter corboy | designboom