Mesh Wheelchair
by Adachi Clinic Kobe
"Lightness & Transparency"
When developing new wheelchair designs, the weight of the product often becomes a major challenge. Not only the actual weight, but also the visual appearance can create a sense of heaviness. We attempted to overcome this obstacle through the use of mesh metal, which gives the wheelchair a sense of lightness and transparency, softening the conventional perception of wheelchairs as heavy, purely functional objects.
By rethinking both its form and material, we aimed to create something that is not only practical and comfortable but also visually beautiful and creatively inspiring. The open mesh structure allows light to pass through the frame, giving the piece an airy presence that contrasts with the traditional image of medical equipment.
The design invites a new perspective on care—one that feels more human, uplifting, and full of possibility rather than restrictive or clinical. It suggests that assistive devices can also be thoughtfully designed objects that support dignity, individuality, and aesthetic pleasure in everyday life.
Paired with the original stool, the piece expands its role beyond mobility. The stool can function as a small coffee stand or as a comfortable seat for a companion, creating a shared space for rest and interaction. Together, these elements encourage moments of connection, conversation, and companionship, transforming the wheelchair from a purely functional tool into an object that supports both movement and human relationships.
By rethinking both its form and material, we aimed to create something that is not only practical and comfortable but also visually beautiful and creatively inspiring. The open mesh structure allows light to pass through the frame, giving the piece an airy presence that contrasts with the traditional image of medical equipment.
The design invites a new perspective on care—one that feels more human, uplifting, and full of possibility rather than restrictive or clinical. It suggests that assistive devices can also be thoughtfully designed objects that support dignity, individuality, and aesthetic pleasure in everyday life.
Paired with the original stool, the piece expands its role beyond mobility. The stool can function as a small coffee stand or as a comfortable seat for a companion, creating a shared space for rest and interaction. Together, these elements encourage moments of connection, conversation, and companionship, transforming the wheelchair from a purely functional tool into an object that supports both movement and human relationships.
