A Vision for the Future - "Morinomachi Grace" in Okayama City designed by RENS, NOMURA Co.,Ltd
Designed by RENS, NOMURA Co.,Ltd from Japan. At the heart of this ambitious complex lies "Morinomachi Plaza," home to the "WONSETO FOODHALL." This vibrant culinary hub aims to invigorate regional development by celebrating local cuisine crafted from the unique ingredients native to Okayama and the Seto Inland Sea. Known for its mild climate and fertile soil, this area boasts a rich food culture that WONSETO FOODHALL proudly showcases. The food hall is a dining space and a cultural haven where visitors can immerse themselves in the region's gastronomic delights.
Located in the heart of Okayama City in Japan, "Morinomachi Grace" is a forward-thinking commercial facility that symbolizes innovation and community. It reflects the Seto Inland Sea region's rich heritage and natural beauty. It is poised to become a cornerstone of regional pride and a testament to sustainable urban development.
At the heart of this ambitious complex lies "Morinomachi Plaza," home to the "WONSETO FOODHALL." This vibrant culinary hub aims to invigorate regional development by celebrating local cuisine crafted from the unique ingredients native to Okayama and the Seto Inland Sea. Known for its mild climate and fertile soil, this area boasts a rich food culture that WONSETO FOODHALL proudly showcases. The food hall is a dining space and a cultural haven where visitors can immerse themselves in the region's gastronomic delights.
The design of this space, inspired by the Seto Inland Sea, is a unique and original creation. It seamlessly blends with the city's culture, offering a peaceful environment for the community to come together and enjoy the culinary delights of the Seto Inland Sea. This aims to promote a feeling of hope and connection through food, creating an intriguing and exciting experience for visitors.
The WONSETO FOODHALL is distinguished by its remarkable ceiling, designed to resemble the Seto Inland Sea's undulating waves, wind, and air currents. As natural light enters from the entrance, the expansive waves gradually transform into smaller ripples, leading visitors further into the space. This dynamic ceiling design represents the motion of waves and the passage of time and fosters a serene and unified atmosphere throughout the facility.
The architectural marvel includes a terraced "hill" that connects the first and second floors, resembling a natural topographical feature. This multipurpose space serves as bench seating and an event stage, providing a versatile area for relaxation and comfort. During events, it transforms into a lively stage and seating area, becoming a central hub for community activities celebrating Okayama's charms.
In a nod to local craftsmanship, "Okayama Denim," a specialty product from Ihara City, adorns the chairs and sofas. This choice highlights the region's textile industry and enhances the space with a distinctive regional touch, expanding the possibilities for local industries to thrive in new contexts.
The green zone, designed around a "diverse forest," contains approximately 1,000 trees and greenery, creating a landscape honouring Okayama's natural environment while incorporating new elements. The art lounge on the second floor, curated by Kohei Mawa, exhibits works by local artists and serves as a cultural hub. This space is envisioned to nurture Okayama's art and culture, encouraging new regional and artistic opportunities and linking them to the future.
"Morinomachi Grace" is more than a commercial facility; it represents a vision for the future. It embodies a harmonious blend of nature, culture, and community, creating a space where the past and future of Okayama coexist beautifully. This project is a proud testament to the city's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and cultural heritage, promising to be a cherished landmark for future generations.
"Morinomachi Grace" in Okayama City designed by RENS, NOMURA Co.,Ltd is one of the shortlisted projects from Sky Design Awards - Interior Design*
For more information, please visit:
Website: https://www.rens-design.jp/en/ or http://www.skydesignawards.com
Redefining Suzhou Elegance: COSCIA Pu Yuan Store designed by ADS（All Design Studio）
Amidst historic structures from the Republic of China era, the COSCIA Pu Yuan Store is a testament to the harmonious blend of old and new. The store occupies a square layout across two floors, and its primary structure is a modern reinforced concrete building. ADS has retained numerous original columns and beams, honouring the historical imprints of the original architecture. This design choice seamlessly integrates traditional elements and materials from Suzhou-style architecture with modern aesthetics.
Atrium
ADS has beautifully modernized Suzhou-style architecture's traditional spatial layouts and colour schemes, transforming them into a minimalist and contemporary design that reflects Eastern sensibilities. This design simplifies intricate details and creates a deep sense of nostalgia and connection, celebrating a lifestyle characterized by quality and sophistication.
In Pu Yuan Ancient Town, the essence of Jiangnan architecture is meticulously preserved. Every brick, tile, and wooden beam is crafted with mortise and tenon joints, showcasing the enduring skills of ancient artisans. The town's meandering streams, old-fashioned boats, and arched bridges intertwine to create a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Amidst historic structures from the Republic of China era, the COSCIA Pu Yuan Store is a testament to the harmonious blend of old and new. The store occupies a square layout across two floors, and its primary structure is a modern reinforced concrete building. ADS has retained numerous original columns and beams, honouring the historical imprints of the original architecture. This design choice seamlessly integrates traditional elements and materials from Suzhou-style architecture with modern aesthetics.
On the ground floor, the pathway is made of bricks and is flanked by two terracotta cabinet walls. This design adds visual depth and diversity to the atrium space. The atrium is covered with ink-black terrazzo, which gives the impression of an ink pool and a rain-dampened slate pathway. In the center of the atrium is a trapezoidal "Ink stick" structure. This structure is a display screen and an artistic centrepiece, drawing the eye upward. Additionally, a mirrored reflection resembling a sky lantern is suspended within the atrium, minimizing direct sunlight. This lightweight material contrasts with the geometric form of the "Ink stick."
Delicate metal chains encircling the atrium evoke the perpetual rainy ambiance of Jiangnan water towns, mimicking raindrops cascading from eaves and creating a curtain-like effect reminiscent of a water cascade. The cashier desk, fitting rooms, and jewelry section come to life on the ground floor. Inspired by mahjong tiles, the jewelry area's ceiling design features a vibrant interplay of orange and gray, squares and circles, infusing the space with a lively and playful ambiance.
The minimalist art journey continues to the second floor, unlike the grand "ink pool" below. Here, textured carpets and metallic panels create the sensation of walking on varied terrain, while a systematic arrangement of display cabinets encourages viewers to pause and explore. This thoughtful design builds anticipation for the unfolding journey ahead.
On the second floor, the VIP lounge and fitting rooms immerse individuals in a desert-themed atmosphere. Twilight imagery and decorative stones shape a unique "natural" landscape, offering modern consumers distinctive experiences and social media-worthy moments.
With this innovative design, ADS not only preserves the historical essence of Suzhou-style architecture but also elevates it by creating spaces that blend tradition and modernity. The result is an intriguing fusion that captivates the imagination and spirit of all who experience it.
*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior Design : Retail Design division
Project Information
Project丨COSCIA Pu Yuan Store
Location：No.233, Pu Chuan Street, Pu Yuan Town, Jia Xing ,Zhe Jiang Province ,CHINA
Project Type：Multi Buyer Store
Area：800㎡
Design Company：ADS（All Design Studio）
Designer：Tao Li, Jing Duan
Photo Credits：Yuuuun Studio
Complete Year：May, 2023
GIKEN GROUP Head Office Relocation Project in Gifu-shi designed by void.Co.,Ltd. from Japan
Designed by void.Co.,Ltd from Japan. The relocation project for GIKEN GROUP's head office near the Gifu Prefectural Office in Gifu-shi embodies a vision to create a multifaceted facility designed to nurture diverse communication and innovation. The building will not just house the head office, but also feature a co-working space, rental offices, and seminar rooms, catering to employees, government workers, businesses, and students. This strategic location is envisioned to be a vibrant hub for interaction, benefitting visitors to the prefectural office and fostering a culture of collaboration and creativity.
Designed by void.Co.,Ltd from Japan. The relocation project for GIKEN GROUP's head office near the Gifu Prefectural Office in Gifu-shi embodies a vision to create a multifaceted facility designed to nurture diverse communication and innovation. The building will not just house the head office, but also feature a co-working space, rental offices, and seminar rooms, catering to employees, government workers, businesses, and students. This strategic location is envisioned to be a vibrant hub for interaction, benefitting visitors to the prefectural office and fostering a culture of collaboration and creativity.
The project began with an analysis of the local characteristics. Notably, there was an increasing number of young entrepreneurs and a growing demand for remote working options. However, there needed to be more combined office and co-working spaces in Gifu. This facility aims to fill that gap by allowing young entrepreneurs to start their businesses in the co-working space and then transition to rental offices as they expand. It serves as a meeting point for ambitious individuals from government, academia, industry, and civil society, designed to support young entrepreneurs and stimulate innovation.
The building boasts a split-level floor plan, with a two-story section on the south side and a three-story section on the north side. The south side features a triple-height atrium lounge, a cafeteria with views of the entire building, and open-plan offices, creating a modern, light-filled environment. The three-story north section houses private rooms such as rental offices, conference rooms, and the president's office, offering a tranquil setting.
The first floor's co-working space, the second floor's rental offices, and the third floor's headquarters are all arranged to face the atrium, fostering an environment that encourages interaction and innovation. The building's total floor area is 1,682 square meters, with a height of 9.98 meters. It extends 17 meters on the short side and 46.5 meters on the long side, running east to west. The void space is 8.5 meters high, while the two-story south part features large open spaces with a ceiling height of 3.8 meters, creating a spacious feel without internal walls. In contrast, the smaller rooms in the three-story north part have ceiling heights of about 2.1 meters - scaled for comfort and functionality. The rental spaces on the second floor and the offices on the third floor have exposed ceilings, providing ample height and a sense of openness.
The building's exterior design reflects its split-level interior layout, with a diverse facade that combines two—and three-story sections. The first-floor atrium lounge and second-floor cafeteria have an open, airy design with vertical louvres and glazing, creating a strong connection to the street. The office and seminar rooms are embellished with extruded cement panels, combining a sense of dignity with the building's openness.
This relocation project meets the evolving needs of Gifu's business community and creates a dynamic environment for innovation and growth.
Website: https://void-jp.org/en/
Floor plan & Drawings
Steve Leung and Baccarat reveal the Printemps Bleu Zenith Chandelier, celebrating Sino-French friendship and timeless craftsmanship.
Renowned Hong Kong architect, interior, and product designer Steve Leung and his team at Steve Leung Design Group (SLD) have partnered with the prestigious French luxury house Baccarat to introduce the Printemps Bleu Zenith Chandelier. This collaboration, a significant milestone, celebrates the 60th anniversary of Sino-French friendship and Baccarat's 260th anniversary.
The chandelier showcases a graceful blend of Limoges porcelain painted with natural motifs and Baccarat crystals in clear and cobalt blue hues. It embodies Zenith's majestic form and cascading effect, featuring porcelain elements in its central column and lampshades— a first for Baccarat's lighting objects. This tasteful fusion reflects Steve's design philosophy, incorporating Chinese Yin-yang principles.
Renowned Hong Kong architect, interior, and product designer Steve Leung and his team at Steve Leung Design Group (SLD) have partnered with the prestigious French luxury house Baccarat to introduce the Printemps Bleu Zenith Chandelier. This collaboration marks a milestone celebrating the 60th anniversary of Sino-French friendship and Baccarat's 260th anniversary. The Printemps Bleu, meaning 'Blue Spring' in English, evokes the rejuvenation and renewal of nature during springtime. Drawing inspiration from Qinghua Ci, one of China's most cherished artifacts, and Baccarat's iconic Zenith chandelier, this exquisite piece harmonizes Asian sensibilities with French elegance. The chandelier's design symbolizes the Chinese philosophy of Yin-Yang, reflecting the harmonious integration of Eastern and Western artistry. This masterpiece is destined to captivate discerning collectors and connoisseurs of luxury décor.
Steve Leung, a renowned Hong Kong architect, interior, and product designer, spearheads the design team at Steve Leung Design Group (SLD) in an extraordinary collaboration with the prestigious French luxury House Baccarat to unveil the remarkable Printemps Bleu Zenith Chandelier, honouring the 60th anniversary of Sino-French friendship and commemorating Baccarat's 260th anniversary.
"Our collaboration celebrates Baccarat's 260th Anniversary in 2024," says Steve Leung. "Since its establishment in 1764, Baccarat has been synonymous with exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and timeless design. Today, it remains a pristine symbol of luxury and elegance. It is our honour to delve into its esteemed history and legacy of luxury. Both our countries have a long-standing appreciation for art and literature. This collaboration is the perfect way to celebrate our countries' mutual understanding and appreciation of each other's heritage and creativity, especially on the 60th anniversary of Sino-French friendship. I am thrilled to embark on a design journey with the talented team at Baccarat during such a milestone historical moment."
The Printemps Bleu Zenith Chandelier is a captivating fusion of Eastern and Western design aesthetics. The chandelier features Limoges porcelain intricately entwined with Baccarat's renowned crystals in clear and cobalt blue hues. This design embodies Zenith's majestic form, incorporating porcelain elements such as the cupel, baluster, and bowl in its central column and lampshades—Baccarat's first exploration of porcelain in their lighting objects. The chandelier achieves a delicate balance of contrasting elements: crystal and porcelain, transparency and opacity, blue and white, East and West. This sophisticated blend celebrates the duality and harmony of Sino-French friendship, paying tribute to the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of both Baccarat and Chinese porcelain.
The Printemps Bleu chandelier exudes the essence of spring, capturing nature's vibrant revival. Inspired by Chinese motifs dating back to 1878, it integrates delicate porcelain elements adorned with intricate cobalt blue designs. The carefully crafted lampshades allow the natural motifs to dance and illuminate the surroundings, creating a captivating radiance. This chandelier symbolizes the harmonious fusion of Eastern and Western design, celebrating the enduring cultural encounter between China and France.
The Printemps Bleu Zenith Chandelier will be launched in Asia in July 2024, followed by a global release in 2025. Limited to only 60 pieces, this chandelier commemorates the 60th anniversary of Sino-French friendship. It has been reinterpreted by renowned designers such as Philippe Starck, Marcel Wanders, Arik Levy, Louise Campbell, and Jaime Hayon, solidifying its status as a symbol of timeless artistry and cross-cultural collaboration.
Product Details
Product Name: Printemps Bleu
Product Category: Lighting
Product Completion: July 2024
About Steve Leung, BBS, Founder of Steve Leung Design Group Ltd.
Born in Hong Kong, Steve Leung is an internationally renowned architect, interior and product designer with over 40 years of design experience. Taking inspirations from Asian culture and arts, his works are famous for their unique contemporary style. He has gained a high reputation in the industry and his works have received high acclaim worldwide.
“Design” represents different meanings for every master in history. These thoughts have influenced their creation and achievements, and reflect their understanding of contemporary culture and lifestyles. Steve has his own unique thoughts and philosophy on design. Since his business start-up in 1987, Steve has broken through the traditional framework and geographical boundaries with brand-new thinking and forward-looking international vision, and taken his pace to the diversified development rooted in China with a global perspective, shepherding SLD into a world-leading interior design company.
Having achieved significant success during his design career spanning over 40 years, and believing that as a part of the society, it is necessary to shoulder certain social responsibilities, Steve has been actively participating in design-related public roles in recent years. He hopes to use his profession, experience and network to give back to the industry and society, as well as pay efforts to cultivate young designers. He has been invited on various occasions to be the judge of the world's authoritative design awards, including Asia Pacific Interior Design Awards, iF Design Award China, Red Dot Design Award, China Property Awards, iF Communication Design Award, etc. He was the President of the International Federation of Interior Architects / Designers (IFI) from 2017 to 2020, being the first Chinese President in IFI history. Steve has been the Executive Director of Design Committee of China National Interior Decoration Association (CIDA) since 2013 to present, and the Board of Directors of Hong Kong Design Centre since 2016, Vice Chairman since 2022. In 2014, Steve joined hands with interior designers from the Mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan to establish “C Foundation” to foster development of the design industry and education in China. In 2022, Steve has been awarded Bronze Bauhinia Star (BBS) by the Government of HKSAR in recognition of his notable contributions to educating young architects and designers, and fostering sustainable development in both Hong Kong and the Mainland.
About Steve Leung Design Group Ltd.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Steve Leung, the Group officially entered the Mainland market in 2000, and listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2018 (SEHK: 2262), being Hong Kong’s first listed company providing pure design services. “Design Without Limits” is the core value of the Group and we believe that design has the power to break boundaries. Since his business start-up in 1987, Steve and his teams have held firm to the belief that design should be people-oriented. Through collaboration and interaction among different fields, we constantly explore and think over the significance and mission of design, striving to create more possibilities by design without limits. Our mission and vision are to bring the power of design into full play through execution of projects:
- To enhance project value with design
- To improve quality of life with design
- To drive social development with design
- To create better future with design
With diversification, specialization and internationalization being the direction of business development, the Group provides high quality design services of different categories which embrace show flats, sales offices, club houses, luxury residential projects, serviced apartments, hotels and restaurants, commercial and office spaces, homes for the aged, medical and healthcare, etc. The Group's business scope also extends from interior design and furnishing services to product design. We have collaborated with a number of international brands in home décor for a wide range of product designs, including furniture, decorative lightings, sanitary wares, kitchen cabinets, door handles, tiles, etc.
About Baccarat
Founded in 1764, Baccarat, alchemist of joy and creator of enchanting worlds, is the fruit of a group of daring artisans who have transformed the four elements of nature – earth, air, fire and water – into crystal of unparalleled purity. By crafting true masterpieces, Baccarat has never ceased to surprise the world, garnering numerous awards at World Fairs and international exhibitions. This is how the name of a small town in eastern France, Baccarat, has over time become a symbol of the art of celebration and French joie de vivre. From Paris to Moscow, New York, Tokyo, Miami or Hong Kong, the unique experience of Baccarat’s art de vivre can be found within its Houses, boutiques, restaurants, bars and hotels. Ahead of its 260th anniversary, Baccarat continues its international development, firmly anchored in its roots, and driven by the ambition to always fly higher. Discover the captivating world of Baccarat on www.baccarat.com and on www.instagram.com/baccarat
M+ Unveils the First Full-Scale Retrospective of I. M. Pei: Life Is Architecture
The opening of I. M. Pei: Life Is Architecture, the first comprehensive retrospective of the legendary architect Ieoh Ming Pei. Starting this Saturday, June 29, 2024, M+, Asia’s pioneering museum of contemporary visual culture located in Hong Kong's West Kowloon Cultural District, will showcase this monumental exhibition until January 5, 2025, in the museum's West Gallery.
The opening of I. M. Pei: Life Is Architecture, the first comprehensive retrospective of the legendary architect Ieoh Ming Pei. Starting this Saturday, June 29, 2024, M+, Asia’s pioneering museum of contemporary visual culture located in Hong Kong's West Kowloon Cultural District, will showcase this monumental exhibition until January 5, 2025, in the museum's West Gallery.
Supported by the Lead Sponsor Bank of China (Hong Kong), this retrospective honors Pei's extraordinary contributions to architecture over seven decades, highlighting his transcultural vision and profound impact on the contemporary world.
Celebrating a Visionary Architect
I. M. Pei, a Chinese American architect renowned for his innovative designs and masterful integration of modernity and tradition, has left an indelible mark on global architecture. His iconic projects include the National Gallery of Art East Building in Washington, D.C., the Grand Louvre modernization in Paris, the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong, and the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha. Pei's work transcends geographic and cultural boundaries, weaving together a rich tapestry of power dynamics, geopolitical complexities, and cultural traditions.
An In-Depth Exploration
Curated by Shirley Surya, Curator of Design and Architecture at M+, and Aric Chen, General and Artistic Director of Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam, the exhibition is a result of seven years of meticulous research. Organized with the support of the Estate of I. M. Pei and Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, this retrospective features over 400 objects, many of which are being exhibited for the first time. Visitors will encounter original drawings, architectural models, photographs, films, and other archival materials from both institutional and private collections.
The exhibition delves into six thematic areas, offering a comprehensive view of Pei's unique practice and the social, cultural, and biographical contexts of his work:
Pei’s Cross-Cultural Foundations: Examines how Pei’s upbringing and architectural education shaped his ability to merge diverse influences across cultures and eras.
Real Estate and Urban Redevelopment: Highlights Pei’s early career phase with real estate developer Webb & Knapp, focusing on mixed-use planning, housing, and urban revitalization projects in the U.S. and beyond.
Art and Civic Form: Showcases Pei’s museum designs and collaborations with artists, reflecting his belief in museums as civic spaces and the dialogue between art and architecture.
Power, Politics, and Patronage: Explores Pei’s high-profile commissions, technical mastery, and sensitivity to client needs, revealing the complexities of his prominent projects.
Material and Structural Innovation: Illustrates Pei’s inventive use of materials and construction methods, particularly with concrete, stone, glass, and steel.
Reinterpreting History through Design: Investigates Pei’s efforts to make modern architecture relevant to different histories and traditions, particularly those of his birthplace.
Engaging Future Generations
To inspire a new generation of architects, M+ has partnered with master’s programs at the University of Hong Kong Department of Architecture and The Chinese University of Hong Kong School of Architecture. Students have created models of Pei’s significant built and unbuilt projects, such as the Museum of Chinese Art for Shanghai and the Luce Memorial Chapel at Tunghai University.
The exhibition also features newly commissioned photographs of eleven of Pei’s projects, captured by seven international photographers during the pandemic, offering fresh perspectives on his enduring influence.
Join at M+ to celebrate the life and legacy of I. M. Pei, a visionary who redefined the possibilities of architecture and left an everlasting impact on the world.
Suhanya Raffel, Museum Director, M+, says, ‘Few lives embody the vision of transcultural exchange at the heart of M+ as thoroughly and elegantly as that of I. M. Pei. We are honoured to host the first full- scale retrospective devoted to the legendary architect, whose work shaped the built environment for the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. This project reintroduces Pei and his contributions to a contemporary audience worldwide while bringing to the surface important facets of his career that have long been overlooked.’
I. M. Pei’s son, the architect Li Chung (Sandi) Pei, partner and founder of PEI Architects, says,
‘This exhibition brings to the public the first full-scale retrospective of our father’s productive and far-reaching career, elucidating the transcultural influences and distinctive historical circumstances that contributed to his unique place as an architect and global citizen. Gathered over many years from a multitude of sources, the exhibition details a remarkable personal story that only in its full telling reveals the complexities, challenges, and achievements of his long and optimistic life. We are proud of this exhibition and thank the M+ team for its thorough, intelligent, and enlightened documentation.’
I. M. Pei outside John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Dorchester, Massachusetts 1979 © Ted Dully/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
Doryun Chong, Deputy Director, Curatorial, and Chief Curator, M+, says, ‘This exhibition is the result of years of research into original archival materials documenting Pei’s outstanding career. It follows the trajectory of his work across the world, highlighting his long-lasting impact on architecture today. This exhibition epitomises M+’s focus on Asia through a transnational framework. Looking at both iconic and lesser-known projects, the process has also led to new acquisitions of architectural models and archival materials that enrich the museum’s collection.’
Shirley Surya and Aric Chen, co-curators of I. M. Pei: Life Is Architecture, say, ‘Though one of the world’s most famous architects, I. M. Pei and his contributions are relatively little understood. We hope this exhibition will further shed light on a figure who influenced countless individuals, cities, and, indeed, the world. Pei drew from the regional while shaping the global. His work articulated artistic and cultural ideals while forging urban skylines—negotiated through dialogue and collaboration, and with results that innovated architectural forms and feats of engineering. It has been a privilege to bring together largely unseen materials from the archives of Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, the Library of Congress, Pei’s family, Pei’s clients, and his collaborators at various points in his career for the first time. The picture that emerges is a practice fundamentally intertwined with crucial developments in architecture, urbanism, nation building, and institutional identities across a wide range of geographies.’
Public and screening programmes
M+ will present a series of public programmes in relation to I. M. Pei: Life Is Architecture throughout the exhibition period, including guided tours, conversations, film screenings, and workshops. On the day of the exhibition opening, Saturday, 29 June 2024, M+ will host a free public talk Architecture Is Life: I. M. Pei with architect Li Chung (Sandi) Pei, partner and founder of PEI Architects, and Pei’s close collaborators Calvin Tsao and Aslıhan Demirtaş at the Grand Stair. Moderated by Shirley Surya, co- curator of the exhibition, the discussion will reflect on the relevance and impact of Pei’s values on life, architecture, and cities through the lens of key architectural projects, namely Fragrant Hill Hotel (1979– 1982) in Beijing, the Bank of China Tower (1982–1989) in Hong Kong, and the Museum of Islamic Art (2000–2008) in Doha. Registration for the talk is now closed. A recording of the event will be available on the M+ website.
The M+ Cinema will feature a series of special screenings in its Summer Edition from July to September 2024, with a focus on documentary and fiction films featuring Pei’s architectural projects. Highlights include First Person Singular: I. M. Pei (1997), an insightful documentary in which Pei leads viewers on an international tour of his best-known works with candid discussions of his life and design approach;Page 4 of 6 Paul Verhoeven’s sci-fi classic RoboCop (1987), featuring Dallas City Hall (1966–1977) in Texas; and Woody Allen’s comedy Sleeper (1973), shot in part at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (1961–1967) in Boulder, Colorado. From July to December 2024, there will also be free Grand Stair Daytime Screenings featuring two documentaries about Pei’s projects in Asia.
A series of programmes suitable for adults and children will be launched this summer. In Family Day Design Workshop: Re-Create with I. M. Pei, architect Kenrick Wong invites participants to learn about Pei’s iconic works and design thinking through hands-on activities. In Family Day Drop-in: I. M. Pei in Imagination Playground, led by M+ Educators, participants will use modules of various shapes and sizes to create structures following Pei’s approach of conducting design tests with mock-ups. There will be special tours and workshops for the public as well as school, community, and access tours for different audiences.
For details of the public and screening programmes, please refer to Appendix 2. Other programme details will be announced on the M+ website.
Exhibition merchandise
To coincide with the exhibition, a 400-page monograph I. M. Pei: Life Is Architecture with more than 400 colour illustrations will be published in July 2024 by Thames & Hudson in collaboration with M+. The title presents both celebrated and lesser-known aspects of Pei’s life and career by featuring largely unpublished archival materials, newly commissioned photographs and essays, as well as personal anecdotes from scholars and those who knew and worked with Pei. Inspired by Pei’s significant projects,
M+ Shop is launching a range of exhibition merchandise, including glass vases, wall clocks, wooden blocks, tote bags, bookmarks, folders, and more. For more product highlights, please refer to the image sheet.
Ticketing arrangements
Tickets to the Special Exhibition are available for online purchase via the M+ website, West Kowloon Cultural District website, West Kowloon Cultural District App, Cityline, China Travel Service (Hong Kong) Limited, Fliggy, Klook, KKday, and Trip.com. The Special Exhibition ticket is priced at HKD 160 for adults and HKD 80 for visitors eligible for concessions.
* Visitors with Special Exhibition tickets can access I. M. Pei: Life Is Architecture and all M+ General Admission exhibitions starting from Saturday, 29 June 2024. For more information on ticketing arrangements, please visit the M+ website.
*Concession tickets are available for full-time students, children ages 7 to 11, senior citizens ages 60 and above, persons with disabilities and one companion, and Comprehensive Social Security
Assistance (CSSA) recipients.
M+ Membership
M+’s annual membership and patron membership offer an exclusive experience of contemporary visual culture for people of all ages and backgrounds. All M+ Members with valid memberships can enjoy three free admission vouchers to Special Exhibitions throughout the membership year, including I. M. Pei: Life Is Architecture. Meanwhile, M+ Patrons can enjoy unlimited free admission to all exhibitions with up to three guests per visit. M+ Members and Patrons can also enjoy exclusive previews to Special Exhibitions prior to public opening and thirty to fifty per cent discounts on Special Exhibition tickets. Other membership benefits include unlimited free access to General Admission exhibitions, exclusive accessPage 5 of 6 to the M+ Lounge, M+ Private Viewing, priority booking of tickets, exclusive events, and more. For more information, please visit the M+ website.
I. M. Pei: Life Is Architecture is generously supported by the Lead Sponsor Bank of China (Hong Kong), Bei Shan Tang Foundation, the Family of S. P. Tao, Travel Partner Cathay, and Hotel Partner The Ritz- Carlton, Hong Kong.
About M+
M+ is a museum dedicated to collecting, exhibiting, and interpreting visual art, design and architecture, moving image, and Hong Kong visual culture of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. In Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District, it is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary visual culture in the world, with a bold ambition to establish ourselves as one of the world’s leading cultural institutions. M+ is a new kind of museum that reflects our unique time and place, a museum that builds on Hong Kong’s historic balance of the local and the international to define a distinctive and innovative voice for Asia’s twenty-first century.
Online presence
Website https://mplus.org.hk/
Instagram @mplusmuseum
Facebook M+, West Kowloon Cultural District
YouTube M Plus
LinkedIn @mplusmuseum
WeChat MPlus 博物館
DESIGNART TOKYO 2024 UNDER 30: Celebrating Emerging Young Creators
Tokyo, renowned as one of the world's most culturally diverse cities, is set to host Japan's largest and most prestigious design and art festival: DESIGNART TOKYO. This highly anticipated event will showcase various genres, including design, art, interior design, and fashion, offering a platform for creativity and innovation. The festival's "UNDER30" program is a highlight, featuring five talented creators under 30. These individuals have been selected for their exceptional potential and are poised to become the next stars in the design and art world.
Tokyo, renowned as one of the world's most culturally diverse cities, is set to host Japan's largest and most prestigious design and art festival: DESIGNART TOKYO. This highly anticipated event will showcase various genres, including design, art, interior design, and fashion, offering a platform for creativity and innovation.
The festival's "UNDER30" program is a highlight, featuring five talented creators under 30. These individuals have been selected for their exceptional potential and are poised to become the next stars in the design and art world. The UNDER30 program consistently generates significant interest, serving as a launchpad for emerging talents and offering insight into the future of creative industries.
From left to right: AAAQ ©Andraditya Dhanu Respati / Hiroto Ikebe photo by Kodai Mizuguchi / HOJO AKIRA / Saki Takeshita ©Yuki Kawazoe / Straft (in alphabetical order)
AAAQ Creative Unit Selected by Hiroshi Koike/ NON-GRID
photo by Atsuro Miyako
Meet AAAQ, a dynamic creative unit formed by product designer and producer Atsuro Miyako and UI designer So Ohta. Established in 2021 after their graduation from Chiba University, AAAQ is based in Tokyo and has rapidly gained recognition for their innovative approach to design.
AAAQ’s philosophy is rooted in the continuous cycle of creation and inquiry, encapsulated by their guiding principle: "creating, creating, and creating answers to generate new questions." Their work is characterized by a deep sensitivity and thorough research, often exploring the unseen forces that shape our world and our unconscious interactions with them.
One of the standout phenomena they investigate is "photoelasticity," which vividly visualizes the invisible force of stress. At DESIGNART TOKYO 2024, AAAQ will present "Visible Stress," a groundbreaking work that leverages photoelasticity to reveal the intricate textures of light created by stress. This installation invites viewers to reconsider their surroundings and their own perceptions, unveiling a hidden world of beautiful, potent forces that typically go unnoticed.
Hiroto Ikebe (Textile Artist / Designer) Selected by Astrid Klein&Mark/Klein Dytham architecture
「MAYUGOMORI」FFP© photo by Yasunari Kikuma
After graduating with honours from Tama Art University, where he majored in Textile Design, this visionary artist views fabric as a "soft fossil" that preserves the memories of various cultures, customs, and beliefs. He conducts detailed fieldwork to unravel the memories and contexts associated with materials and techniques from diverse regions. He uses this knowledge to create unique textile designs and artworks that demonstrate his innovative experimental approach.
He focuses on the declining traditions of sericulture that have historically supported Japanese livelihoods. He explores the intricate relationships between "materials" and "producers" from the interaction between humans and silkworms. By reconstructing this relationship, he has developed the "COCOON ANATOMY" garments crafted from silkwaste. These innovative pieces represent a new production process that reimagines traditional methods.
The "COCOON ANATOMY" collection showcases our dedication to sustainable design and will be a prominent feature at DESIGNART TOKYO 2024. This revolutionary approach to textile design not only pays homage to the esteemed tradition of Japanese sericulture but also revitalizes it. Through the exhibition of these pioneering pieces, we aim to encourage our audience to recognize the profound link between culture and craftsmanship and envision a sustainable future for traditional arts.
HOJO AKIRA (Designer) Selected by Shun Kawakami / artless Inc.
This talented designer graduated from Kanazawa College of Art with a major in Product Design and currently works in Tokyo. They work both as in-house designers and freelancers, focusing on mass-produced products. Their design philosophy involves analyzing and improving mass production processes, emphasizing structure and joining methods.
The thought-provoking exhibition "What is the Essential Structure?" will explore the discomforts caused by the typical distortions of mass-produced items. The exhibition will encourage visitors to consider whether these distortions are inherent and what the true essence of a product is. At the core of this exploration are his uniquely designed "sofas," which embody his quest for answers and reflect his deep contemplation of structural integrity.
"Through his work, he aims to communicate these reflections to a broader audience, proposing new values and perspectives on product design.
Saki Takeshita (Designer) Selected by Akio Aoki/ MIRU DESIGN
This versatile designer, a Musashino Art University's Department of Industrial, Interior, and Craft Design graduate, has left a mark in various domains, from guitar effects to interior products. Based in Tokyo, she emphasizes the intricate relationship between objects, people, and spaces and brings a hands-on approach to her creative process.
She will unveil "Eeyo," a captivating exploration of material transformation. This work uses balsa wood, renowned as the world's lightest wood. By meticulously dyeing the wood and exposing it to nearly 200 degrees of hot air, she achieves a dynamic change in colour and a unique graphic representation. This intriguing method allows for a novel form of graphic processing, enhancing the natural grain and texture of the wood by varying the dyeing time and heat application to alter the wood's colours and patterns.
"Eeyo" can be applied to surfaces with uneven textures, curves, and three-dimensional objects, showcasing a new expressive technique in wood product design. By integrating this innovative process, she pushes the boundaries of traditional wood design and offers a fresh perspective on the interaction between materials and craftsmanship.
Graduated from the Department of Industrial, Interior and Craft Design at Musashino Art University. Engaged in a wide range of design work from guitar effects to interior products, creating and presenting work while based in Tokyo. With a focus on the relationship between objects, people, and spaces, she values the process of thinking and creating by hand while interacting with materials.
She will exhibit the work “Eeyo”, which involves dyeing balsa wood, known as the lightest wood in the world, and then exposing it to hot air at nearly 200 degrees, changing the color and creating a graphic representation. A mysterious phenomenon where, by varying the dyeing time and the application of heat, you can change the colors and patterns. The method allows graphic processing of surfaces with natural grain and texture, including those with uneven surfaces, curves, and of three-dimensional objects. This is a new expressive technique in wood product design.
Straft (Artist) Selected by OkisatoNagata / TIMELESS
Meet Straft, a creative craft unit founded by Tamaki Ishii and Kazuma Yamagami. Both are graduates of Tokyo Zokei University with degrees in Industrial Design. Ishii and Yamagami are based in Tokyo, where they use their skills to create innovative works that combine traditional styles with contemporary sensibilities.
Straft primarily works with rice straw, a material with deep cultural significance in Japan. Traditionally used in roofs, walls, and daily tools, rice straw is also a revered object of prayer. At DESIGNART TOKYO 2024, Straft will showcase its "NEST" exhibition, highlighting rice straw's spiritual and cultural significance beyond its practical uses.
Their signature piece, "TORI," exemplifies this ethos by expressing the inherent Japanese view of nature shaped by centuries of rice cultivation. "TORI" aims to capture the essence of spiritual richness and the harmony between humans and nature, a concept deeply rooted in Japanese tradition and increasingly relevant today.
Join us at DESIGNART TOKYO 2024 to experience Straft's "NEST" and witness how Ishii and Yamagami elevate rice straw from a mere resource to a powerful cultural and spiritual connection symbol. Through their work, Straft invites us to reflect on living in harmony with nature and rediscovering its spiritual richness.
Theme: Reframing: the Beginning of a Shift
Period: 10 days from Friday, October 18 to Sunday, October 27, 2024.
Area: Omotesando, Gaienmae, Harajuku, Shibuya, Roppongi, Hiroo, Ginza, Tokyo station area
Organizer: DESIGNART TOKYO COMMITTEE
Founders: Akio Aoki (MIRU DESIGN), Shun Kawakami (artless Inc.), Hiroshi Koike (NON- GRID), Okisato Nagata (TIMELESS), Astrid Klein & Mark Dytham (Klein Dytham architecture)
Official website: https://designart.jp/designarttokyo2024/?lang=en
DESIGNART TOKYO 2024 KEY VISUAL STAFF CREDIT
Photographer:Masaki Ogawa
Design & ArtDirection:artless
Direction : DESIGNART TOKYO COMMITTEE