Article: AREA’s chair A-29 “KABUTO” Recognized by Two International Design Awards
AREA’s chair A-29 “KABUTO” Recognized by Two International Design Awards
We are proud to share that chair A-29 “KABUTO” has been recognized by two international design awards in 2026.
KABUTO received an Honorable Mention at the DNA Paris Design Awards 2026 and was selected as a Featured Finalist in the International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) 2026.
Designed by Go Noda, KABUTO reflects AREA’s approach to transforming references from Japanese culture into contemporary furniture with a strong sculptural presence and a sense of comfort.
The Design
chair A-29 “KABUTO”
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The rounded form of chair A-29 “KABUTO” was originally inspired by a distinctive type of kabuto, the helmet worn by samurai in medieval Japan. From this historical reference emerged a form that feels distinctly contemporary — sculptural, compact, and enveloping.
The chair brings together two contrasting qualities: a modern sensibility reminiscent of 1970s science-fiction films, and a gentle, reassuring sense of comfort.
Rather than the mechanical expression of a conventional task chair, KABUTO was conceived for spaces that call for calm — a chair that offers not only a place to sit, but a quiet place for the mind to rest.
Designer: Go Noda
Honorable Mention
DNA Paris Design Awards 2026
Based in Paris, the DNA Paris Design Awards recognize outstanding work from around the world across architecture, interior design, landscape design, product design, graphic design, and other creative disciplines.
chair A-29 “KABUTO” received an Honorable Mention in the PRODUCT DESIGN / Furniture & Lighting category.
Award: DNA Paris Design Awards 2026
Category: PRODUCT DESIGN / Furniture & Lighting
Distinction: Honorable Mention
Project: chair A-29 “KABUTO”
Designer: Go Noda
Featured Finalist
International Design Excellence Awards 2026
The International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA), organized by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA), recognize excellence in design across a wide range of disciplines.
chair A-29 “KABUTO” was selected as a Featured Finalist in the Furniture & Lighting category.
Award: International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) 2026
Category: Furniture & Lighting
Distinction: Featured Finalist
Project: chair A-29 “KABUTO”
Designer: Go Noda
Discover KABUTO