MYUTA origami furniture and fashion

Due to high population density and decrease of affordable housing resulting from urbanization, urban dwellers face space constraints in their homes which further leads to inefficient use of living spaces. The majority of traditional furniture fail to take this issue into consideration as they are often built to serve only their intended function. Additionally, traditional furniture production contributes significantly to carbon emissions and has lasting environmental impacts. 

The carbon emissions associated with manufacturing chairs currently on the market range between 30-60 kg/chair and one can see how the footprint is higher for larger furniture items. 

• According to the Global Forest Resources Assessment (FRA) 2015 conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the world’s forest area decreased from 4.128 billion hectares in 1990 to 3.999 billion hectares in 2015.

Transportation of furniture also contributes to environmental degradation with the weight and shipping of such goods.

MYUTA addresses this dual challenge by offering origami derived foldable furniture designs that optimize space utilization without compromising on functionality or aesthetics. Moreover, MYUTA’s commitment to local production minimizes transportation-related emissions, reducing its carbon footprint. 

MYUTA will also be a valuable tool for relief organizations to create structures and furniture in areas during natural disasters and war. thy will be light and easy to ship and will also offer open-source instructions on how to produce everything locally with local resources. 

MYUTA's impact is profound and multifaceted. By addressing the underrecycling of furniture globally and offering transparent circular design, it mitigates environmental stress caused by urbanization. The adaptable, foldable furniture not only caters to small spaces but also aids disaster relief by minimizing storage and shipping costs, reducing carbon footprints, and providing sustainable solutions for community-driven living. The project aligns with ecological, social, and societal well-being, fostering a more sustainable and resilient future.

Design Expertise: Our team comprises skilled designers who understand the nuances of foldable furniture. Team leader, Professor Waldman has deep experience in circular design and product development. We will also partner with leaders in origami design here in Japan. 

Local Partnerships: We collaborate with local craftsmen and workshops, enabling decentralized production.

Sustainability Focus: Our commitment to recyclable materials and local sourcing aligns with global environmental goals.

Experience: Our team has successfully prototyped and tested MYUTA designs, validating their functionality and appeal.

We have numerous prototypes of designs and have already tested feasibility for many of them. We have met with experts in the field who do work for JAXA (the Japanese Space Agency) who agreed to consult on this project. Our prototypes include structures for chairs, tables, platforms, as well as for shoes and apparel items. 

For MYUTA to succeed, we need to connect with the international community with success in implementation of design solutions globally. Many of our solutions will require a locally 3D printed form to created the creases necessary to create the structures. Multi-lingual and cultural-specific educational materials need to be created. We are most excited about developing apparel solutions based on our initial designs and concepts that can bring fully biodegradable temporary garments to where they are needed. 

Therefore, legal assistance to figure out the best way to register this kind of program is also necessary in addition to global activation expertise. More innovation in the world of origami and material science will also be helpful

1. Problem Statement: Due to rapid urbanization, urban dwellers face space constraints in their homes. Affordable housing is decreasing, leading to inefficient use of living spaces. Traditional furniture often fails to consider this issue, as it is typically built for a single function. Additionally, conventional furniture production significantly contributes to carbon emissions and has lasting environmental impacts.

2. The MYUTA Innovation: MYUTA’s approach stands out due to its innovative features:

• Foldable Design: MYUTA’s furniture pieces are ingeniously designed to fold, collapse, or transform. When not in use, they occupy minimal space, making them ideal for compact living environments.

• Functionality and Aesthetics: MYUTA prioritizes both form and function. Their foldable furniture seamlessly transitions between various configurations, ensuring usability without sacrificing style.

• Local Production: MYUTA is committed to local production. By manufacturing furniture close to the point of consumption, they minimize transportation-related emissions. This approach significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with furniture distribution.

3. Impact and Beneficiaries: MYUTA’s innovation extends to various aspects:

• Environmental Impact: By addressing underrecycling and promoting circular design, MYUTA contributes to environmental sustainability. Their foldable furniture reduces the need for new materials and minimizes waste.

• Urban Dwellers: Urban residents benefit from MYUTA’s space-saving solutions. The adaptable furniture allows them to maximize their living spaces, even in small apartments or shared housing.

• Disaster Relief: MYUTA’s foldable furniture aids disaster relief efforts. During emergencies, efficient storage and transportation become critical. MYUTA’s designs minimize shipping costs and reduce carbon footprints in relief operations.

• Community-Driven Living: MYUTA’s commitment to sustainability aligns with societal well-being. Their furniture fosters community-driven living by providing practical, eco-friendly solutions.

In summary, MYUTA’s innovative foldable furniture not only optimizes space but also contributes to a more sustainable and resilient future.

1. Inputs/Resources:

• MYUTA leverages its expertise in furniture design and production.
• Access to local manufacturing facilities and materials.
• Collaborative partnerships with community organizations and vocational training centers.

2. Activities:

• MYUTA conducts the following activities to address space constraints in urban dwellings:
• Develops foldable furniture designs that optimize space utilization.
• Offers training programs to empower individuals with origami furniture-making skills.
• Establishes partnerships with local manufacturers to produce foldable furniture sustainably.

3. Outputs:

• The outputs of MYUTA's activities include:
• Innovative foldable furniture designs ready for distribution.
• Trained individuals equipped with vocational skills certificates.
• Locally manufactured furniture pieces available for purchase.

4. Outcomes:

• Through its activities, MYUTA achieves the following outcomes:
• Reduction in space constraints for urban dwellers through the use of space-saving furniture.
• Enhancement of environmental sustainability by promoting circular design and local production.
• Improved disaster response capabilities through the provision of easily transportable furniture.
• Strengthening of community cohesion and collaboration through shared living solutions.
• Empowerment of individuals with vocational skills and employment opportunities in furniture manufacturing.

5. Impact:

• Ultimately, MYUTA's efforts lead to:
• Enhanced quality of life for urban residents with more functional living spaces.
• Reduced environmental impact through sustainable furniture production practices.
• Resilient communities better equipped to adapt to changing living conditions.
• Empowered individuals contributing to local economies and community development.

In conclusion, MYUTA's theory of change demonstrates how their innovative approach to furniture design and production contributes to positive social, environmental, and economic outcomes in urban areas. 

We believe in quantifying the resource savings achieved with each MYUTA item produced compared to similar objects made from wood or plastics. By leveraging your network, we can develop reliable systems for generating environmental scores and ratings.

Our impact goals align with several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

1. Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

• Objective: Reduce material footprint by promoting the use of sustainable materials and efficient design in MYUTA products.

2. Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

• Objective: Reduce carbon footprint by adopting eco-friendly manufacturing processes and materials, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.

3. Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

• Objective: Increase knowledge for sustainability practices by providing training and education on sustainable design and production methods, fostering environmental awareness and skills development.

4. Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

• Objective: Improve the quality of life for urban dwellers by offering space-saving and adaptable furniture solutions that enhance living conditions in urban environments.

5. Goal 11 (continued): Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

• Objective: Improve the quality of life for people in disaster areas by providing foldable furniture that is easily transportable and adaptable, supporting disaster response and recovery efforts.

By addressing these goals, MYUTA strives to contribute positively to sustainable development and societal well-being."

Origami, the ancient art of paper folding, has evolved into a modern core technology with profound implications for various fields. By harnessing the principles of origami, we unlock efficiencies in material usage, structural integrity, and design possibilities.

At its core, origami maximizes the utility of a single sheet of material through precise folds and creases, minimizing waste and optimizing resource utilization. This efficiency extends beyond paper to other materials, such as textiles, metals, and polymers, revolutionizing industries ranging from aerospace to fashion.

Structurally, origami-inspired designs distribute loads and stresses in a highly efficient manner, resulting in lightweight yet robust structures. This structural integrity is crucial in applications where weight reduction is paramount, such as spacecraft components and architectural frameworks.

Moreover, origami offers unparalleled design versatility, allowing for the creation of intricate and multifaceted shapes that were previously unattainable. From deployable structures to medical devices, the possibilities are virtually limitless, empowering innovation across diverse disciplines.

In summary, origami's core technology embodies the principles of efficiency, integrity, and creativity. By embracing origami-inspired solutions, we pave the way for a more sustainable, resilient, and innovative future.

Matthew Waldman: Founder of NOOKA, brings expertise in design, invention, and education, reshaping interface and time perception.

Henri Qian: A School of Visual Arts graduated designer, supports innovative projects as a research assistant at Keio University.

Yuki Iwama: Driven by social impact, utilizes circular design to tackle humanitarian issues.

Suga Horii: COO of OUTSENSE, offers strategic insights in business development and space architecture.

Shin Tanaka: A bioinformatics expert and paper artist, pioneers self-driving protocols and captivating paper sculptures, enriching our team's interdisciplinary approach.

MYUTA has been an ongoing research project at the SAMCARA lab for 5 years now. 

The SAMCARA lab at Keio University is proud of its diversity. We currently have students and researchers from China, The USA, Japan, China, Myanmar and 70% female. We brought the international Tolerance Poster Show to Japan for the first time for Roppongi Art Night in 2023 and are committed to social innovation via diversity. Our past members came from India, Colombia and Philippines. We welcome all gender expressions and Professor Waldman is a rare openly LGBT professor in Japan.

MYUTA is designed to be appealing to B2C, B2B as well as B2G

1. Product Sales in Developed Countries:

• MYUTA will primarily target developed countries, where there is a demand for innovative and space-saving furniture solutions. We will sell our foldable furniture products through various channels, including online platforms, brick-and-mortar stores, and partnerships with interior design firms. Our products will cater to urban dwellers, small apartment owners, and individuals seeking adaptable furniture for modern living spaces.

2. Open-Source Designs for Global Access:

• In line with our commitment to social impact, MYUTA will make its furniture designs available open-source to the rest of the world. By providing free access to our design plans, we aim to empower individuals, communities, and accredited relief agencies to manufacture their own foldable furniture locally. This initiative will democratize access to innovative furniture solutions and promote sustainable living practices worldwide.

3. Partnerships with Relief Agencies:

• MYUTA will actively collaborate with accredited relief agencies to address humanitarian challenges in disaster-prone areas and underserved communities. We will provide our foldable furniture solutions to support emergency response efforts, temporary shelters, and long-term recovery initiatives. Additionally, we will seek funding from government grants, philanthropic organizations, and corporate sponsors to ensure the sustainability and success of our relief agency solutions.

4. Sustainable Funding Model:

• To make our relief agency solutions ongoing, sustainable, and successful, MYUTA will pursue various funding sources. This includes grants and donations from international development agencies, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, crowdfunding campaigns, and revenue-sharing partnerships. By diversifying our funding sources and maintaining transparency in our operations, we aim to create a lasting impact in communities affected by disasters and humanitarian crises.

In essence, MYUTA's business model combines commercial sales in developed markets with open-source initiatives and strategic partnerships with relief agencies to maximize social impact while ensuring financial sustainability. Through innovation, collaboration, and responsible business practices, we aspire to create positive change and transform the way people live and thrive around the world.

For MYUTA to achieve financial sustainability, we have developed a multifaceted approach that leverages various revenue streams and funding sources. Our plan encompasses both short-term and long-term strategies to cover our operational expenses while advancing our mission of providing innovative, space-saving furniture solutions and supporting humanitarian efforts.

1. Product Sales in Developed Markets:

• We generate revenue through the sale of our foldable furniture products in developed countries. By targeting urban dwellers and individuals seeking adaptable furniture solutions, we tap into a lucrative market segment that values innovative design and space optimization.

2. Open-Source Designs for Global Access:

• While our products are sold commercially in developed markets, we make our furniture designs available open-source to the rest of the world. This initiative allows us to promote sustainable living practices and empower communities to manufacture their own furniture locally, free of charge.

3. Partnerships with Relief Agencies:

• Collaborating with accredited relief agencies enables us to address humanitarian challenges in disaster-prone areas and underserved communities. By providing our foldable furniture solutions for emergency response efforts and long-term recovery initiatives, we access funding opportunities from government grants, philanthropic organizations, and corporate sponsors dedicated to humanitarian aid.

4. Diversified Funding Sources:

• MYUTA pursues a combination of sustained donations, grants, product sales, and strategic partnerships to fund our work. We actively seek investment capital from impact investors and venture philanthropists who share our commitment to social impact and sustainability. Additionally, revenue-sharing partnerships with retailers and e-commerce platforms contribute to our financial sustainability.

Examples of Successful Funding Initiatives:

• MYUTA has secured grants from prominent philanthropic organizations and government agencies to support our research and development efforts, as well as our humanitarian initiatives.
• Revenue generated from product sales in developed markets has exceeded projections, demonstrating strong market demand for our innovative furniture solutions.
• Strategic partnerships with relief agencies have facilitated funding for humanitarian projects, allowing us to deliver foldable furniture to communities affected by disasters and crises.

In summary, MYUTA's financial sustainability plan encompasses a diverse range of revenue streams and funding sources, ensuring that our operations are adequately funded to support our mission and achieve long-term impact.