# Twisted Sponge Seating This New Range of Spongy Seats is Lightweight and Atypical By Farida Helmy | Published 2014-05-29 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spongy-seats References: [dezeen](http://www.dezeen.com/2014/04/21/shibari-rubber-dipped-foam-seat-by-ichiro-inc-milan-2014/) & [schemata.jp](http://schemata.jp/works/) Inspired by a Japanese form of erotic bondage, Japanese architect Jo Nagasaka from the architecture studio [Schemata Architects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uchida-shoten) has created an atypical and super twisted furniture collection of spongy seats that was recently unveiled at Milan Design Week 2014. The designer creates his erotic seating line by dipping blocks of spongy foam into rubber then typing them up in different shapes to create different pieces. The unorthodox spongy seats take after a traditional Japanese art form that is all about tying things using string. “We are envisioning furniture that generates different activities according to what we tie and how we tie,” says Nagasaka. The unique collection includes a range of different furniture pieces like stools, sofas and tables that are all lightweight and easily carried—you just use the knot as the handle! ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.9/10 - Popularity: 25% | Activity: 24% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Spongy Furniture:** Opportunity for innovative furniture designs using spongy materials and unique shapes. - **Lightweight Seating:** Potential for creating lightweight seating options that are easy to transport and handle. - **Japanese-inspired Design:** Emerging trend of incorporating traditional Japanese art forms into furniture design. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Furniture Manufacturing:** Innovative designs using spongy materials can disrupt the traditional furniture manufacturing industry. - **Interior Design:** Opportunity to integrate lightweight and unconventional seating options into interior design projects. - **Art and Craft Supplies:** Growing demand for spongy foam and rubber materials for DIY and art projects inspired by Japanese design. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Grow-at-Home Sponge Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sponge-furniture.md) - [Mochi-Inspired Seating Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mochiinspired-seating.md) - [Pretzel-Like Comfortable Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dohui.md) - [Bungee Cord Seating Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tcord-chair.md) - [Balloon-Like Seating Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seungjin-yang.md) - [Inflatable Molded Collective Seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/situation.md) - [Oozing Cake-Like Furniture Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roll-furniture.md) - [Oblong Color-Blocked Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meritalia-morphologica-collection.md) - [Pool Noodle-Inspired Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/loop-furniture.md)