We asked Mr. Kaneshige Matsukawa, the chairman of Front Co., Ltd., the company behind "ARTSTEEL," the theme material for "Search for product ideas for creating a rich life using "wabi-sabi" steel," and Mr. Sato, the designer who has been developing products with Front Co., Ltd., about the appeal and characteristics of "ARTSTEEL" and their hopes for the award.
"I like this finish. Sometimes I watch the factory floor for an hour. It's like a hobby (laughs)"
The "NEW RUSTY" series is designed with rust. After the rusting agent is applied it is neutralized, dried and finished with a special top coat.
--What is the appeal of "ARTSTEEL"?
Chairman Matsukawa: We started as a manufacturer of steel building materials in 1980. Steel is a very good material. It is inexpensive and highly workable. As a building material, it is excellent, but its only drawback was the rust. On one occasion, I thought about how I could make a material that utilizes this rust as part of its design, so I decided to look into designing weathering steel. And about 15 years ago, we were finally able to create the archetype of "ARTSTEEL," a weathering steel with the beautiful look of natural rust.
From there, I was further drawn to the allure of the texture of steel, and I have expanded our lineup to include things like the "SUPER C.F.C" series, where we apply a fine pattern to the steel by using vibration polishing after processing it with phosphoric acid. We also obtained a patent for our "steel building material with polished patterns and its manufacturing method."
The steel is finished by our craftsmen one at a time, by hand. They apply the rusting agent to the steel and polish them while checking the look of the steel over and over again. It is thanks to Japanese craftsmanship that such a delicate finish can be achieved. Look, isn't the beauty of this texture beyond words? (Laughs) I like this finish. I still visit the factory often and I sometimes look at the factory floor for an hour. It's like a hobby (laughs)
Mr. Kaneshige Matsukawa, Chairman of Front Co., Ltd.
Mr. Sato : Steel has an unsophisticated image, but "ARTSTEEL" has a very elegant look. Moreover, we've kept the heaviness of steel. I think it's a very unique material that combines elegance and heaviness.
This natural shade is also a greatly appealing. This shade and deep texture cannot be achieved by painting. You don't get tired of looking at it. Since the color is natural, it's an interesting "material" because of how it is compatible with natural objects such as plants and minerals.
Rust is degradation, but "ARTSTEEL" can make that into "growth." The coating peeling off is normally degradation but with "ARTSTEEL," that's part of the charm. The ability to overlay history is its appeal. There is enjoyment in being able to nurture expressions and create something beyond your own imagination by how you rust the steel.
Mr. Sato is a designer who has been developing products with Front Co., Ltd.
He can create expressions that can be made with origami, but he struggles with three-dimensional surfaces
--Please tell us about the characteristics of "ARTSTEEL" as a material
Chairman Matsukawa: "ARTSTEEL" is a styled weathering steel that controls and coats rust with rust. It was originally used as a building material, and it's so sturdy that it is used for supporting enormous bridges and breakwaters. It doesn't deteriorate internally even after decades. However, even though it is weathering steel, in order to prevent deterioration and to maintain the beauty of its appearance, regular maintenance is required in places where water is always accumulating and where condensation often occurs.
In addition, as the surface is protected with a special topcoat, the steel is also dirt-resistant and scratch-resistant. Nonetheless, this topcoat is not intended for human consumption so it is best not to be used for things that may enter the mouth, such as cutlery and glasses. In terms of workability, the basic process is the bending process which involves folding steel sheets, etc., so for example, it is possible to create expressions that can be made with origami paper. But three-dimensional surfaces such as spherical surfaces are difficult to create. Designs using general steel materials such as steel angles and H beams can also be realized, of course.
The shape of the steel is perfected by welding and polishing after the bending process. After that, the texture and color is applied to the surface.
Features of ARTSTEEL
• Processed by hand by craftsmen to achieve a beautiful finish
• Natural texture
• Deep color tones as a result of aging
• Strong enough to be used on enormous bridges
• Resistant to dirt and scratches, and repairable
• Highly workable, easy to cut, fold and weld
The disadvantages of ARTSTEEL
• Regular maintenance is required for use near water
• Not recommended for use on things you might put in your mouth
• Difficult to process three-dimensional surfaces
I want more and more people to know about "ARTSTEEL," the steel that uses "rust" to create steel that is stronger and more beautiful
-- What was the aim of running a product contest like this?
Chairman Matsukawa: "ARTSTEEL" is used in many well-known buildings such as Akasaka Sacas, Keio Kichijoji Station and the Iyemon Salon in Kyoto, and has been loved by prominent architects. But when ordinary people hear the word "rust," they take a step back. Because people have the impression that "rust" ruins a product. But with "ARTSTEEL," steel is made stronger and more beautiful by using "rust." I want more and more people to know about its advantages. Until now, product development has been a process in which designers designed the products and we made the products. However, this time I decided to try out an original approach to creating products together with our customers by asking the public to submit ideas. I hope that through this award, many people will come to know about "ARTSTEEL" and become interested.
The facade of the Chiisana Kura No Museum in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture where ARTSTEEL is used.
A lasting product that can take root in everyday life and create comfort for people. Products that can create a good relationship between things and people
"Metallic Rose" from the "C.F.C-N series. Colors are overlaid little by little, repeatedly, while keeping an eye on the color and expression
A rusting agent is applied to finish the "New Rusty" series. By repeating the spraying and drying process, a unique, deep texture is created
-- Please say a few words to the people who will be applying!
Mr. Sato: We think the concept for future manufacturing using "ARTSTEEL" is having "a beautiful life with steel." How will things look when you replace materials around you like wood, glass, and plastic with "ARTSTEEL"? I would be happy if you could keep this in mind and try to come up with ideas that wouldn't come out of a meeting room. In terms of bringing steel into our lives, there may be ideas that make use of the beauty of the appearance of "ARTSTEEL" or ideas for a functional product that makes use of the magnetic properties of steel.
Steel can be repaired even if breaks. The more you look after it, the more you start to become attached to it. It's something you can use for a long time without getting bored with it. A product that can take root for a long, long time in everyday life and create comfort for people. It would be nice if the product could create a good relationship between things and people.
Chairman Matsukawa: We want to create a world-class "wabi-sabi" product by inviting ideas that incorporate the advantages of weathering steel and the traditional Japanese beauty of "ARTSTEEL" into our lives. I look forward to receiving your submissions!
The chairman often goes to the factory to do quality checks and makes trial products himself.
