MUJI – Laboratory for Living
Ideas for ongoing energy savings have arrived from around the world.
With admirable resolve and a sincere desire to change the planet for the better, from the onset of their existence the Japanese company Muji has taken a steady and incremental approach to doing so.
Far be it from us to synthesize the Muji Philosophy … if we could, it would be something like this … ‘Muji’s natural and simple design philosophy proposes responsible and beautiful answers to the basic underlying questions of today’s world’.
The Enjoy ! ( ) Energy Project is no different, although the circumstances certainly are. This project is a response from Muji to the natural disasters (and subsequent human disaster) that struck Japan recently. We are grateful for their intelligence and thank them for inviting us to participate in this particular and sensitive ‘Small – Big’ project.
Ever careful to increase the quality of life while decreasing the impact on the planets resources, this beautifully conceived project by the Muji ‘Laboratory for Living’ is a testimony to the joy and optimism that Muji was founded on.
We are humbled by their ‘bravura’, honored by their invitation, and supportive of their general mission.
The March 11 earthquake and tsunami caused great loss of life, devastated the lives of survivors, and affected everyone in the area. The damaged power plants are still a constant concern throughout Japan, and there will be less electric power than usual available this year. That is unavoidable, but rather than resigning ourselves to pessimistically accepting the situation, we believe that this is an opportunity for Japan to turn itself into a smart energy nation.
To translate this belief into action, MUJI approached a number of designers around the world and asked them to provide a design idea as an expression of support for Japan. Each designer was asked to draw his or her idea for energy in daily life within an “Enjoy! ( ) Energy.” framework, and describe it in terms that fit within the parentheses.
Ideas that inspire people or bring a smile to their faces will contribute to making the mood in Japan that little bit brighter. Each idea provided for this project is also a testimony to the creator’s concern and sympathy for fellow human beings. The ideas received are being published on the MUJI website on an ongoing basis.
We would like to give my heartfelt thanks to each of the designers who has taken the time and trouble to express their support in this way. Your encouragement is much appreciated.
The Muji Laboratory for Living
Please visit the Muji Laboratory ‘Enjoy ! ( ) Energy site