The brief was to create a trolley for luxury hospitality settings that could build global awareness of KI NO BI through a distinctive serving experience.

The design needed to feel connected to the House of KI NO BI in Kyoto while remaining compact, manoeuvrable and adaptable to different bar layouts and service rituals.

The visual direction draws on the understated atmosphere of the Japanese tea ceremony.

References to the tea-room hearth, machiya lattice screens, hanging shelves and the circular element of the KI NO BI identity were translated into the architecture of the trolley.

Contrasting wood and copper details create a restrained material language aligned with the brand's Kyoto origins.

The trolley was developed for tight hospitality spaces and for both right- and left-handed use. Its layout supports the preparation and presentation of the signature cocktail and allows the setup to change for different occasions.

Functional details include interchangeable compartments, bottle recesses, an insulated vessel for hot or cold liquids, a pull-out work surface and a tatami area for presentation. The extended palanquin-inspired handles make the trolley easier to push and turn while giving it a distinctive silhouette.

The project progressed through contextual research, layout studies, form and CMF exploration, CAD development and prototyping. Alternative configurations were evaluated against manoeuvrability, access, storage, production constraints and the choreography of service.

The final design was produced be traditional Kyoto manufacturers, specializing in traditional crafts.

Developed at Pifpaf Design for Pernod Ricard / KI NO BI Gin.

Lead Product Designer: Olga Gerasim.

Art Director: Josephine Grenier-Furukawa.

Functionality & Usability Advisors: Marcy Sakuma, Jack Trewello.

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