#Japan #Morioka #Mokuiku Hiroba #Local Wood #Senba

Experience the Joy of Creating Play Spaces with Local Wood

Upcoming this May, Senba Co., Ltd. is set to host an engaging workshop called "Mokuiku Hiroba" at the Aeon Mall Morioka Minami. This unique event aims to educate participants about the significance of utilizing local timber while allowing them to dive into the fun of creating an inspiring play area. Participants will be involved in painting colorful slices of logs, which will later be utilized as art and signage for the dedicated area at Aeon Mall, all made from Iwate Prefecture wood.

Event Overview

In this workshop, attendees of all ages will collaboratively paint variously sized round logs, contributing to the distinct artistic atmosphere of the Mokuiku Hiroba. This initiative not only invites local families to engage in creativity but also aims to enhance the community's bond towards the play area, ensuring it becomes a beloved local spot. Further, in partnership with Omo Woodworks, boasting 120 years of history in Hanamaki, participants will also have the chance to create wooden shooting games.

Event Details

• - Date: May 31 (Saturday), from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Ends once capacity is reached; last entry at 4:00 PM)
• - Location: Aeon Mall Morioka Minami Center Court Area
• - Experience Duration: Approximately 1 hour (No reservation required)
• - Target Audience: All ages are welcome; children under elementary school age must be accompanied by a guardian
• - Fee: Free
• - Organizer: Aeon Mall Morioka Minami & Senba Co., Ltd.
• - Cooperation: Omo Woodworks
• - Contact: 019-631-3450 (For event inquiries)

Previous Workshop Success

For insights into the previous collaborative workshop at Aeon Mall Kita-Oji, which focused on creating Mokuiku Hiroba, you can view contributions from local children who painted log art.

About Mokuiku Hiroba

Aeon Mall has been introducing play areas across the nation themed around “Mokuiku,” emphasizing the warm touches of wood sourced directly from regional producers. Senba Co., Ltd., responsible for the design and construction of the Mokuiku Hiroba at Aeon Mall Morioka Minami, abundantly employs timber from Iwate Prefecture. This initiative fosters a space where children can play safely while learning about the value of local woods.

Senba's Initiatives in Wood Utilization

With a mission to create “future-friendly spaces,” Senba is devoted to promoting ethical design that embodies empathy for people, communities, and the natural environment. Part of their effort includes developing and selling products by upcycling forest resources that are often discarded during lumber processing, such as bent wood and small trees that are less desired for furniture-making.

Examples of Senba's Wood Utilization

• - TOKYO Shared Office Sumida: Upcycled all available Tama wood, including scrap wood and shavings.
• - Kitasuma Branch Building (Suma Ward Office): Utilized local woods like Rokko mountain timber providing varied wood types and grains.
• - Connecting Table (connec®): A unique table made by joining small pieces of hardwood scraps.
• - Daimaru Kyoto Store Rooftop Space: Furnished with wood from the forests of Kyoto's Kyoto Town.

Senba approaches design with a focus on solving issues held by local industries rather than merely sourcing timber according to conventional methods. With more plans to contribute to social challenges through future-friendly space creation, Senba continues to stand at the forefront of ethical design.

About Senba

Adhering to the business philosophy of being a “Success Partner,” Senba Co., Ltd. provides comprehensive support — from planning, research, design, construction to maintenance for various spaces, including commercial facilities, offices, education sectors, healthcare, and leisure. Since 2021, they have adopted the vision of becoming a “Good Ethical Company” with a mission to create “Future-Friendly Spaces,” emphasizing a considered approach toward social and environmental concerns throughout their supply chain.