Curious Space vol.2 | DESIGNART TOKYO 2019 Report (Part 1)

In "Worrisome Space",
Based on space reports such as the latest interesting architecture, exhibitions and events
We cut out "the current state of spatial design" from a unique perspective.
In the second installment, we will report on "DESIGNART TOKYO 2019", which is now in its third year.

It will be held at a total of 104 venues, expanding from the area centered on Aoyama to the Shinjuku and Ginza areas, and has developed into an international event with the participation of artists from more than 17 countries, including Israel, Hong Kong, Pakistan, and Thailand. .
We would like to introduce some of the works that will serve as hints for creating spaces in the future.
(Click here for Part 2)

What is DESIGNART TOKYO?

Based in Tokyo, it aims to transcend the boundaries of genres, to transmit and share the splendor of things and things that cross design and art, and to provide a platform where people around the world can creatively influence each other. started in 2017.

The five groups of six founders, Tokyo Governor Koike, Google Vice President Ivy Ross, Israeli Ambassador to Japan Jaffa Ben-Ari, and Design Pier curator Zofia Irosvai.

This year, the third year of the project, 1% of public construction costs will be allocated to the production of public art. We carry out various projects to Through this system, we aim to realize a society where people can appreciate art on a daily basis and be moved, create employment for artists and designers, and revitalize the creative industry.

Furthermore, we have set partner countries since last year. This year, in addition to design, Israel is a leading country in terms of medicine, technology, and startups. We also exhibited at Spiral in Omotesando.

This year, Tokyo Governor Koike took the stage at the opening ceremony on October 18 as a grant program for the "Tokyo Tokyo FESTIVAL" organized by Arts Council Tokyo and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

SHOP × NATURE | Appearance of space created by the dynamism of nature

I would like to introduce two cases in which the space was completely transformed by arranging works that feel the vitality of nature in the existing store space, rather than creating a new space for the event.

Vitality of bonsai

The first is an exhibition of works by bonsai master Masashi Hirao at kolor Minami Aoyama. It seems that Mr. Hirao's atelier was damaged by Typhoon No. 19, so he brought in carefully selected works that could be exhibited just before the exhibition.

The work placed outdoors is a "big-headed" work expressed through the unreasonable situations Mr. Hirao himself experienced. And indoors, it is a work that expresses life and death by mixing living and dead branches. Just by placing these two in the center of the space, the vitality of bonsai powerfully envelops the entire space and creates a dignified atmosphere.

There is also a playfulness to decorate the brand logo object.

A large tree that gives a sense of depth

The second is an exhibition by architect and artist Fumihiko Sano at the Salvatore Ferragamo Ginza store. After becoming an apprentice to a building firm of traditional Sukiya carpenters in Kyoto, and of Ferragamo, which has originally set craftsmanship and sustainability as major themes, he became independent as an architect. The idea of Mr. Sano, who has a style using , matched, and this collaboration was realized.

The windows and product displays were filled with large, dynamic pieces of wood that overwhelmed visitors with their power. The life force of large trees that have survived for many years in the great outdoors gives the space a sense of depth. The large tree was treated with resin, and it was a work that fused traditional crafts with modern sensibilities.

Public Space × Garden｜A small garden creates a private space

The "intree table" exhibited during the Tokyo Midtown DESIGN TOUCH 2019 exhibition at Tokyo Midtown (Roppongi) is a space that appears in the middle of the city. It was the work of "team balanco" based in Gifu, which attracted a lot of attention at this year's Milano Salone by announcing a table and chair integrated with a swing.

Above a small garden spread out in an FRP pot, there is a high chair, a metal step that looks like a stepping stone to reach it, and a long and narrow table shared by everyone.

Once you climb up from the steps and sit on the chair, the feeling of being surrounded is amazing! When I completely entered the hollow of the table, I didn't have to worry about the presence of the outside because the surroundings were covered with wood, and the people sitting at the table didn't feel too close to each other.

According to the designer, the height of the table was set so that the top of the table could not be seen. It seems that the sense value of not being able to see the top plate → not being able to see the inside of the space → creating a distance with the outside is important. It will be a hint when thinking about the area of space.

Although it was only delivered to private residences, I think that such small private spaces can be expanded to public facilities and offices.
(Continued in Part 2)