Material Teddy

Material Teddy is a recent project by Design Academy Eindhoven graduate Makikio Shinoda. Designed as a response to the sensory alienation of modern childhoods spent behind computer screens, each of his body parts is made from a different, natural material to evoke contrasting sensations. One ear is heavy, the other is light. The head is made of porous leather so eager fingers can leave their mark over time, while the body is carved from camphor wood smooth to touch, with a pungent, medicinal smell. None of the materials is coated, so children can interact with the components in their purest form.

I think he may just have stolen a little piece of my heart.

(Images Makikio Shinoda via Postcards from Battersea)