Page 4 - Kim Tee Hong MDP Book
P. 4
KENYA HARA / PHILIPS PHILOSOPHY
KIM HONG TEE
Kenya Hara’s centers on the importance of
emptiness in design, seeing it as a valuable
element that enables diverse perspectives and
emotions. He believes that emptiness fosters
connections, engagement, and contemplation.
FORM PLANNING Hara views emptiness as a tool to stimulate
imagination, tranquility, and personal
interpretation. He encourages designers to
incorporate simplicity and negative space, inviting Muji Advertising “Emptiness”
audiences to actively engage and complete the
design in their own way.
This philosophy extends beyond design,
emphasising that embracing emptiness in life leads
to a deeper connection with the world, appreciation
of simplicity, and finding meaning in the spaces
KENYAHARA between. Ultimately, Hara’s philosophy urges
designers and individuals to harness simplicity,
engage imagination, and create spaces that
resonate emotionally and intellectually.
is a designer known for his emphasis on both object
and experiential design. He gained recognition From ‘Tokyo Fiber: SENSEWARE’
through exhibitions like “RE-DESIGN-Daily Products
of the 21st Century” in 2000, highlighting the value ART STYLE
of design in everyday, ordinary items. Hara joined
MUJI’s advisory board in 2002 and served as its art Kenya Hara is characterized by minimalist, Zen
director. inspired design, a focus on empty space, a
connection to nature and Japanese culture, a
In 2004, he curated “HAPTIC - Awakening the subdued color palette, meticulous attention to
Senses,” revealing the potential of design in human detail, functionality, and a quest for emotional
senses. Hara’s exhibitions, like “TOKYO FIBER -- resonance in his work.
SENSEWARE” in 2007 and 2009 aimed to showcase
the possibilities of industry and design. He
expanded his influence to Asia with the “DESIGNING
DESIGN Kenya Hara 2011 China Exhibition” From ‘Takeo Paper Show: Subtle’
1
