Interlocking Table combines knowledge extracted from traditional timber joinery and new computational simulation and digital fabrication technologies. Composed of 5 interlocking elements, the table does not require any mechanical fasteners for assembly and disassembly. The cantilevering composition of the table illustrates the creative use of both geometry and material to withstand structural loads. The highlight of the table is the two legs with wood grain-like patterns, which are fully printed using a Multi-Material 3D printer.

Sawako’s work investigates the integration of architectural, structural, and environmental knowledge to create a unique, efficient, and previously unattainable design. In pursuing these objectives, she develops computational design methods and artefacts employing computer simulation such as Finite Element Analysis and various digital fabrication technologies. Since 2012, Sawako has held an appointment as Assistant Professor in Architecture and Sustainable Design at the Singapore University of Technology and Design. She has been at the forefront of investigating the question of how the integration of architectural aesthetics with engineering efficiency can be achieved through academic and applied research projects. She collaborates with various fields ranging from structural engineering, material science, to art and the work has been published and presented in international conferences and exhibitions including the National Design Centre, Singapore, Takashimaya Art Gallery, Japan, Architectural Association in London, UK, the World Architecture Festival in Barcelona, Spain, and the Beijing International Art Biennale in Beijing, China. Sawako received a Master of Architecture degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Information from Keio University, Japan.

SUTD-MIT International Design Center: The mission of the SUTD-MIT International Design Centre (IDC) is to drive design research and innovation, in collaboration with a wide spectrum of global enterprise, government and social stakeholders. SUTD Digital Manufacturing and Design Center: DManD has an ambitious long‐term vision to create the frontiers of digital design and manufacturing by bringing together new multidisciplinary ideas and methods in computational and engineering sciences, industrial engineering, technology‐intensive design, architecture, and the humanities, arts, and social sciences in a way that perhaps only can be done in the context of Singapore University of Technology and Design’s unique multidisciplinary structure.