Stools are something that can be found in most households. They don’t take up much space, are stackable for storage, and can easily double as a coffee table temporarily. Japanese architect Daisuke Motogi has partnered with furniture brand Artek, putting together 100 alternative ideas of using the Stool 60 in the exhibition ‘Hackability of the Stool’. Created by Finnish designer Alvar Aalto in 1933, the Stool 60 celebrates its 90th anniversary of production this year, just in time with the exhibition being on view in London.

Motogi and his creative firm DDAA Lab started the ‘Hackability of the Stool’ project back in 2019, being asked to provided 150 stools for a commissioned space. During a workshop related to the commission, the participants brought up the multifunctional quality of stools, the team then decided the flat-packed, stackable wooden Stool 60 would be the ideal subject for the project. With over 400 ideas on modifying the iconic stool in mind, Motogi started to showcase them on Instagram, which led to the collaboration with Artek.

The 100 stool transforming ideas presented in the exhibition range from practical household tools and appliances, pet homes, sports equipments, personal items to stunning sculptures. There are a few tables and lights, which are all charmingly executed albeit predictable. Then items such as clothing rack, iron board, planter and mirror are all interesting ways of using the stool in different aspects of daily life, but perhaps the most impressive idea is turning two stools into a turntable — one for the deck and one for the speaker.

‘Hackability of the Stool’ exhibition has visited various countries previously, and is now on view until 6 October at the Vitra and Artek Tramshed showroom in Shoreditch, London.