AKARI LIGHT SCULTURES - A COLLABORATIVE SPACE

by Valentina RiveraOlivares

The brief for this project asked us to design a creative space in which 3 traditional Gifu lantern manufacturers could collaborate with a western designer to produce new and modern designs. Inspired by the Akari Light Sculptures by Isamu Noguchi, I designed a space that allowed visitors to experience the lightness and airiness that these lamps bring to a space, with two separate volumes and a massive skylight that allows natural light into an atrium. Each floor consists of two off-set platforms interconnected by stairs that create a flow between the different functions, while allowing for an organic separation between the private spaces and the public spaces in the lower part of the building. The inspiration for the façade came directly from Frank Ghery’s “Tokyo Bench” – a piece that alluded to my project in regards to materiality and concept, and which perfectly communicated the organic aspect behind my design.