Platinum Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design · 2021
Dimension in the Shadows Calendar
by Emi Kawasaki and Daisuke Kodama
- A' Design Award 2021 Platinum Winner in Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design
- Awarded April 15, 2021
- CLIENT: Shilushi Inc.
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 2,106,050
- Verification code B722277D51 · Verify this award
About Dimension in the Shadows Calendar
Dimension in the Shadows is a desk calendar made from black paperboard cut by laser. The set contains twelve monthly cards, each with a different design. Every card is mounted in a slit of a small wooden cube. Dates for Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays are cut through, while weekdays are half cut. Each abstract figure recalls a scene of the changing seasons in Japan. Seen against the light, the sharp outline reads as a paper sculpture. The cast shadow changes shape as the light moves, adding quiet interest to daily life.
Within the distinguished tradition of functional objects elevated through exceptional design consideration, this calendar system by Emi Kawasaki achieves a remarkable synthesis of temporal utility and sculptural contemplation that positions it among the most thoughtful interpretations of the calendar form in contemporary visual communication practice. The work engages productively with several intersecting design lineages including the mathematical visualization traditions of constructivist design, the shadow-play investigations of kinetic and light art, and the Japanese aesthetic principle of finding profound beauty in everyday functional objects through refined material sensibility and conceptual depth. Each of the twelve forms demonstrates Kawasaki's sophisticated understanding of how two-dimensional graphic elements can encode and communicate three-dimensional spatial relationships, with the die-cut black paper functioning simultaneously as decorative pattern, mathematical diagram, and shadow-casting sculpture that transforms throughout the day as ambient light conditions shift. The technical achievement represented here extends beyond mere craft excellence into genuine innovation in how printed calendar functionality might be reconceived as immersive spatial experience, with calendar numerals integrated along edges of each geometric form so that the act of date-finding becomes an engagement with mathematical visualization rather than mere information retrieval. The kraft paper pedestals introduce considered material contrast while providing the elevation necessary for shadow projection, their warm brown tones grounding the stark black-white graphic elements in organic materiality that recalls traditional paper-craft traditions while supporting thoroughly contemporary geometric experimentation. The collection as a whole invites meditation on the relationship between mathematical abstraction and physical form, between the passage of time and the enduring beauty of geometric principles, suggesting that our daily engagement with temporal measurement might occasion regular encounters with visual and intellectual beauty.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Black paperboard is carried out fine laser cut, come out 12 pieces of differently designed monthly calendar cards, mounted each one in a slit of wooden cube. Each figures may causes optical illusion as 3-dimensional. It is worthy for observation as a kind of sculpture, perceive a sharp outline attractively at back light. In every moment, the casted shadow forms different shape from the paper itself according to the light come in, add a little entertainment in everyday scene respectively.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Package dimensions: W146mm x D146mm x H36mm
Calendar cards within 135mm square
Wood stand: 25mm cube. (Slit angle: 80 degrees, Depth: 20mm) - Tags
- calendar, desk calendar, laser cut, light and shadow, dimension, black paper, 3D, silhouette, optical illusion, japan
- Production Technology
- To know and consider the durability of paper and representability by laser cut process, experimental testing was repeated. Using 2 power level of laser, being cut out dates mean Saturday, Sunday and national holiday, other ones of half cutting mean weekdays. It was made fine adjustment to entire balancing with standing posture that depend on the relation between depth and angle of slit when each calendar is inserted in wood cube.
- Design Challenge
- At the first plan, we had aimed to carry out different effect on the card. It's a technique that scrape some parts extremely thinner by laser cut, so that light could be seen through. This was quite unique approach because it would be appear some places of light "come through" and "see
through" mixing on a same paper. But it was required superfine point laser irradiation repeatedly, it causes burnt paper and takes huge amount of time, accordingly, increasing in manufacturing cost. So we changed plan and design as use half cutting for dates number, redesigning by thin line for some parts, those were the realizable plan without load of production speed. - Project Duration
- Their originative calendars has been gifted to their clients and business partner on every beginning of the year since the company established 2015. It is not only the tool for expressing gratitude, but also for calling to mind the pure delight and enjoyment of design that has their potential for creativity.
- Operation Flow
- Monthly calendar cards are inserted in a slit of wooden cube. At the place receive sun shine or light that let it make shadow, they show and entertain us slow transforming of light and shadow. It is also as a part of the interior object, people will have enjoyment of replacing each calendar card month by month.
- Inspiration
- It is inspired by light and shadow in daily life, which is existing as a matter of course in every era, in every world and in every season. Each abstract object represents a scene and a moment in changing seasons in Japan. An appearance of black Silhouette combines subtlety and boldness, it casts constantly varying shadow like a sundial. Regardless of age or nationality, those abstract figure call forth variety of personal impressions, and inspire each one to expand individual imagination freely.
- Image Credits
- All image: Photographer Naohiro Isshiki