Nendo redesigns Zerogra glasses to feature circular hinges
Japanese design studio Nendo has partnered with eyewear brand Megane-Ichiba to redesign one of its classic pairs of glasses, adding reverse C-shaped hinges.
![Zerogra eyewear by Nendo](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/12/Zerogra-glasses_Nendo_Megane-Ichiba_dezeen_936_1.jpg)
The Zerogra model – named after zero gravity – is a staple in the brand's 900 shops across Japan. The lightweight design is usually made from titanium, and has no hinges.
"We decided to come up with a new design that would evolve the Zerogra even further," said Nendo. "Due to the single-body construction of the previous model, the frame could not be folded inwards and the eyeglasses and case were too bulky."
![Zerogra eyewear by Nendo](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/12/Zerogra-glasses_Nendo_Megane-Ichiba_dezeen_936_0.jpg)
To resolve this, the studio created a "reverse-hinge structure", which features C-shaped sections that close up to form circles when the glasses are fully opened.
![Zerogra eyewear by Nendo](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/12/Zerogra-glasses_Nendo_Megane-Ichiba_dezeen_936_2.jpg)
Megane-Ichiba requires all of its frames to be durable enough to withstand 20,000 repetitions of being opened and closed. Nendo initially found its design created a stress point that was vulnerable to breaking, so had to develop a solution to this.
![Zerogra eyewear by Nendo](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/12/Zerogra-glasses_Nendo_Megane-Ichiba_dezeen_936_4.jpg)
"We solved the problem by creating two slits around the reverse-hinge structure, which enable the load to be evenly distributed over the entire frame," said the studio.
![Zerogra eyewear by Nendo](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/12/Zerogra-glasses_Nendo_Megane-Ichiba_dezeen_936_6.jpg)
"As a result we were able to achieve a design that would stay small and compact when not in use, and also enhance its wearability while maintaining a high level of strength," it added.
![Zerogra eyewear by Nendo](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/12/Zerogra-glasses_Nendo_Megane-Ichiba_dezeen_936_7.jpg)
The studio designed a ring-shaped case to replace the Zerogra's bulky previous version. The shape of the container allows the glasses to curve round to rest in the circular frame.
![Zerogra eyewear by Nendo](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/12/Zerogra-glasses_Nendo_Megane-Ichiba_dezeen_936_9.jpg)
Nendo also developed an oval stand for Megane-Ichiba's retail displays, intended to resemble a pebble or droplet of water. The stand features a central slit that holds the glasses just at the tips of the frame, making them appear as if "floating in the air".
![Zerogra eyewear by Nendo](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/12/Zerogra-glasses_Nendo_Megane-Ichiba_dezeen_936_8.jpg)
It's not the first time the studio has turned its hand to eyewear design, previously launching a pair of glasses that featured magnetic hinges – allowing users to mix and match arms.
The studio also teamed up with Spanish shoe brand camper on a range of sunglasses with overlapping coloured lenses, and designed a collection of flexible reading glasses.
Photography is by Akihiro Yoshida