Designer So Koizumi is reshaping perceptions of asphalt with his furniture collection, “As.” Traditionally associated with roads and parking lots, asphalt takes on a new role as a binding agent in Koizumi's pieces, which include stools, side tables, and lighting fixtures. Each item showcases asphalt's potential to unite materials like metal, stone, and resin in a way that highlights their textures and structures. Koizumi hand-shapes and finishes the asphalt, adapting its properties based on the specific needs of each piece, resulting in furniture that feels both sculptural and functional. Koizumi's work reflects a broader trend in design that values material honesty and sustainability. Instead of concealing the origins of materials behind polished surfaces, Koizumi celebrates their raw forms. This approach invites questions about conventional uses of materials, like why asphalt can't serve a role in home decor. The collection embodies a blend of art and function, producing usable items that also spark conversation and challenge assumptions about design. The “As” series stands apart from mass-produced furniture. Each piece carries a unique character, built from a process of experimentation and refinement. It creates a narrative around disparate materials coming together through asphalt, emphasizing connections in both a literal and metaphorical sense. By transforming a mundane material into something beautiful and functional, Koizumi encourages a reevaluation of how we view everyday substances and their potential in design.