The Picnic

CATEGORY: Multipurpose Furniture

MATERIALS: Igusa, Straw, and Walnut

SIZE: 77 3/4" x 41 3/4" x 15"

This furniture features an adapted Japanese floor structure, installed over the existing floor, reimagining tatami—the traditional Japanese floor tiles made from igusa grass—for contemporary use in Toronto. Named ‘The Picnic,’ this piece not only offers a distinctive sensory experience through the natural scent and texture of igusa but also integrates a Canadian walnut frame. A key influence on the design is its flat-pack construction, simplifying transportation and enhancing its functionality. The design evolved through collaboration, material testing, and community input, making it a piece that reflects both artistic expression and the collective effort of the community in its creation.