Boulevard

Rethinking Comfort Through Perception

BOULEVARD was inspired by a disappearing tradition from Japan.

During the hot summer months, families and neighbors would gather outside their homes, sitting on an Endai (縁台)—a simple wooden bench placed at the entrance of the house. More than just a piece of furniture, the Endai was a social space where people relaxed, shared conversations, and enjoyed the evening breeze.

One detail of the Endai has always fascinated us. Although the wooden slats are separated by surprisingly wide gaps, the bench remains remarkably comfortable. The spacing is not arbitrary; it is carefully calculated so the body naturally distributes its weight, making the gaps almost imperceptible while seated.

This subtle balance between visual expectation and physical experience became the starting point for BOULEVARD.

The project began when FORMICA® challenged HTDS to explore new applications for its high-pressure laminate beyond its traditional role as a surface material. Rather than using the material as a finish, we transformed it into the structural element of an entirely new furniture collection. Each laminated wooden board is CNC-machined with generous openings that immediately capture attention. At first glance, the large gaps appear uncomfortable—even unsettling. Yet, as with the traditional Endai, the geometry has been carefully engineered so that the user barely notices them. Instead, the body experiences a subtle flexibility and gentle balancing movement that enhances comfort while sitting or reclining. BOULEVARD challenges our perception of comfort by proving that what appears visually fragile or uncomfortable can, through thoughtful design and precise engineering, become surprisingly inviting.

The result is a sculptural piece that exists somewhere between furniture and art—a celebration of material innovation, cultural memory, and the unexpected relationship between form and comfort.