Rio Kobayashi and Aaron Kudi Toast to New Connections Over Repurposed Drinks Table

After establishing the focus of their art collaboration, the last episode of Discarded Spirits Co.’s creative series saw Rio Kobayashi and Aaron Kudi propose a design for a Japanese-inspired drinks table that employed various disused materials to fit the brief of creatively reimagining waste. Intended to be the centerpiece of long conversations and new-found connections, the table sketch composed an atypical dual-sided structure that introduced design flair as well as an interesting talking point.

“We had an original concept for a table, but we didn’t know how best to bring it to life,” begins Kobayashi as he unveils the final product that sits in the middle of his studio. By delving into the brand’s universe, the duo successfully crafted a sleek and contemporary furniture piece that speaks to both of their design languages. At the base, it features two concrete stubs that anchor two wooden legs, finished with a rectangular glass top with curved edges. Surveying the composition, the designer shares how it has been executed through a balance of his woodworking practice and Kudi’s concrete sculpting, with the mix of materials displaying their “shared sense of craftsmanship and collaboration.”

Taking a closer look at the table, the body frame utilizes reworked panels of wood that are naturally curved from its previous application. “When Discarded held a workshop with us, we got the idea for the ex-rum cask for the foundation of the table,” Kudi explains of the framework. Lightly scented with hints of the fragrant drink, the cask is directly sourced from the brand’s existing Banana Peel Rum production where it was once used to mature and flavor the spirit. Binded by Kobayashi, the panels are deconstructed and reworked for the new art piece, seeing the duo bring it into the third cycle of its ongoing life.

“We had a different idea at the beginning, initially we wanted it to be made mostly of glass,” says Kobayashi as he looks back on the process. However, following days of research into the production of Discarded Spirits Co.’s drinks, the duo became fixated on the way that the rum was made. Inspired by the various elements that were reused and repurposed, their design noticeably developed and, with the introduction of the new materials, the approach to making became more clear. “I think that was the beauty of using this cask,” says Kudi. “Discarded has taken a creative journey to reuse every aspect in the process, from the casks to the bananas, and we’ve utilized that same spirit here to create a table but in a different way to what we imagined.”

Through embracing changes, the creatives put forth a unique, one-of-a-kind table that fits the brief of creatively imagining waste, giving the wood from the barrel a new lease of life, as well as fulfilling their own aim of making an “interesting talking point.” Reflecting on the final piece, Kobayashi says, “This table creates a place of ceremony, a place where you can share a drink with others and get to know them.” In a joyful sentiment, Kudi adds, “The table has brought us together, and now it’ll bring others together. It’s a poetic journey.”

Follow the next chapter of Discarded Spirits Co.’s creative campaign by staying tuned to Hypebeast.

For more information on Discarded Spirits Co., head to the brand’s website or Instagram page now.

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