Milan 2014: trees appear to float within this forest-like installation by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, at Cassina‘s stand at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan this week (+ slideshow).
Sou Fujimoto‘s Floating Forest suspends trees contained in mirrored cubes throughout Cassina‘s space at the furniture fair, exploring the architect’s interest in the contrast of nature and architecture within the Italian brand’s Milan exhibition space.
“I feel that Italian design is very powerful because of their history and because of their visions for the future,” Fujimoto told Dezeen. “They have both, not only traditions, and can still maintain the identity and quality of Italian design.”
Each hanging container is suspended from metal wires and covered with mirrors on the outside to reflect the trees and give the appearance of effortlessly hovering throughout the exhibition.
The furniture is arranged as individual rooms on a gridded floor plan.
“Some of the trees are floating at different heights to create articulations from space to space,” Fujimoto explained. “The installation creates the excitement of walking around as the scene is gradually opening up to you.”
The installation comprises a mixture of hanging trees as well as freestanding trees, arranged purposely to allow maximum floor space for visitors to pass through the showroom. “The trees are similar to the typical Japanese tree Momiji, as the shape is beautiful and the leaves are very delicate,” said the architect.
Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto has designed a house encased in a lattice of giant sticks as part of a series of dream houses proposed for Spain’s Matarraña region (+ slideshow).
Sou Fujimoto is one of 12 architects that has been commissioned by French developer Christian Bourdais to create a holiday home for the Solo Houses series, and was given carte blanche to come up with any concept within a set budget.
Named Geometric Forest, the proposed house will comprise a two-storey stone and glass volume, enveloped on all sides by a complex framework of interwoven logs.
Residents will be able to clamber between floors by using the lattice as a climbing frame, but will also be able to use the structure as shelves for displaying plants and other items.
According to the architect, it will be “simultaneously enclosed and protected, as well as completely open”, allowing wind and sunlight to filter through its walls.
These ideas derive from the architect’s concept of “primitive futures”, which looks at the origins of architecture and borrows forms from humble caves and animals’ nests.
Simply put, this house is like a geometric forest.
Combining untreated wood in its natural form in an irregular lattice to create a loose boundary. Natural breeze flows through the gaps, and strong summer sun is shielded by this loose lattice structure; between nature and artificiality. A place both loosely protected and at the same time, thoroughly open.
One is able to physically climb through this lattice, to the upper part of the structure is a space like a sky-terrace where one can find a place of refuge. Move through the space like climbing a tree.
The gaps, or spaces between the lattice structure can be used as shelves, or a place for your favourite pot-plant. A place to live, can be re-written as a place filled with opportunities or cues where one can engage, it is also a place to harness and invite elements such as wind and sun to orchestrate a pleasant space.
This forest of lattice structure will be place for living which is new yet primitive.
Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto has released images of a conceptual masterplan for the city of Doha, Qatar, comprising stacked modular arches that form towers containing waterfalls (+ slideshow).
Outlook Tower seen from the main avenue
Fujimoto‘s two proposals include a complex at the end of a large avenue in the city made up of multiple towers with waterfalls flowing from top to bottom, and a low-level retail zone interspersed with towers that would be built along the shore.
Outlook Tower atrium
The Outlook Tower would create a distinctive presence on the skyline as seen from the adjacent waterfront, with several towers containing a series of waterfalls that descend through the structure to produce a cooling mist.
Outlook Tower seen from the main avenue
“By incorporating multiple waterfalls, instead of one large [waterfall], different mountains of water are created feeding the avenue,” said the architects. “There will be a wide range [of] waterfalls; smaller on the top to prevent any interference from the wind and larger towards the bottom to create evaporative cooling.”
Observation deck
The towers would become increasingly transparent towards the top as the density of the arches decreases.
Aerial view of the Outlook Tower
“From afar, the volumes are perceived as a gateway connecting the Corniche Sea with the mainland while having an overall mirage-like appearance,” said the architects.
Outlook Tower seen from the main avenue
The second proposal, titled Souk Mirage / Particles of Light, would comprise structural arches stacked on top of each other to create an undulating topology incorporating retail, residential and office spaces, exhibition areas, a community centre, and a series of public courtyards and atriums surrounded by a green plaza.
Aerial view of the Outlook Tower
“This simple system organises the entire site, providing unity and coherence, as well as a unique and timeless architectural expression,” the architects said of the modular construction.
Outlook Tower seen from along the coast
Here are some more details about the proposals:
Souk Mirage / Particles of Light – 2013 Commercial Building Complex
Urban Scale Concept
This project for the new retail zone seeks to participate fully within the larger master plan of a City. Located between Education City and Financial Center, the site plays a critical role in the future development of this city.
Souk Mirage / Particles of Light at night
In order to activate this portion of the site as well as to create a new landmark in the city, the project proposes not only low rise development, but a higher development, visible from far around. At an urban scale, the shape of the buildings is inspired by the harmonious silhouette of traditional Bedouin tents, anchoring the whole site in this city’s cultural heritage.
Reinterpreting the vibrant atmosphere and lively qualities of the traditional market, as well as the inherent beauty of vernacular Islamic architecture, the project is composed of a modular structural system of arches. Different sizes of arch modules (2.5, 5 and 10 meters) are stacked one on top of another depending on the program needs and the kind of space required.
This simple system organises the entire site, providing unity and coherence, as well as a unique and timeless architectural expression.
This project for an Outlook Tower and water plaza seeks to participate fully within the larger master plan of a City.
Located at the beginning/end of the avenue, Education City and Financial Center in between, the site plays a critical role in the future development of this city.
In order to activate this grand plan as well as to create a new landmark in the city, the project proposes multiple transparent towers, visible from far around and offering views on the most prominent historical and contemporary landmarks in this city.
At an urban scale, the shapes of the buildings are inspired by the harmonious silhouette of traditional Bedouin tents, anchoring the whole site in this city’s cultural heritage. From afar, the volumes are perceived as a gateway connecting the Corniche Sea with the mainland while having an overall mirage-like appearance.
Reinterpreting the inherent beauty of vernacular Islamic architecture, the project is composed of a modular structural system of arches. Different sizes of arch modules (3, 6 and 12 meters) are stacked one on top of another depending on the program needs and the kind of space required. This simple system organizes the entire site, providing unity and coherence, as well as a unique and timeless architectural expression.
By incorporating multiple waterfalls, instead of one large, different mountains of water are created feeding the avenue. There will be a wide range waterfalls; smaller on the top to prevent any interference from the wind and larger towards the bottom to create evaporative cooling.
By combining the transparency of the arches with the stepping waterfalls, a dynamic play with light and shadow is created, while appearing mirage-like.
Sou Fujimoto a imaginé ces toilettes publiques pour des personnes n’ayant pas forcément peur d’être vues. Située au fond d’un grand jardin à Ichihara au Japon, cette cabine se veut être une respiration et est entourée d’un enclos en bois pour un peu d’intimité. Plus d’images et de détails du concept dans la suite.
Dezeen and MINI World Tour: in this movie Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto discusses his philosophy of designing structures that are “in between” opposing concepts such as nature and architecture, and says the approach could work just as well on a skyscraper as a small private house.
Sou Fujimoto. Copyright: Dezeen
“Nature and architecture are fundamental themes [of my work],” says Fujimoto, speaking to Dezeen after giving his keynote speech at this year’s World Architecture Festival.
“I like to find something in between. Not only nature and architecture but also inside and outside. Every kind of definition has an in-between space. Especially if the definitions are two opposites, then the in-between space is more rich.”
Fujimoto gives his recently completed Serpentine Gallery Pavilion in London as an example of his philosophy, in which he used a series of geometric lattices to create a cloud-like structure.
“In various meanings it is in between things,” he says of the project. “It’s made by a grid, but the shape is very soft and complex. The experience is half nature and half super-artificial.”
Final Wooden House in Kumamoto, Japan, by Sou Fujimoto. Photograph by Edmund Sumner
Fujimoto then goes on to discuss Final Wooden House in Japan, in which chunky timber beams form the walls, floors and roof of the house, as well as the furniture and stairs inside.
“It’s a beautiful integration of the architectural elements in various different levels,” says Fujimoto. “The wooden blocks could be the floor or the furniture or the walls, so in that house every definition is melding together.”
House NA in Tokyo by Sou Fujimoto. Photograph by Iwan Baan
Finally, Fujimoto discusses House NA in Tokyo, which consists of several staggered platforms and hardly has any walls.
“It is not like a house but more like a soft territory, something beyond a house,” he says. “The client is a young couple and they are really enjoying their life in that house.”
Fujimoto believes his approach can be scaled up to larger projects
“The concept of creating something in-between is not only for the smaller scale,” he says. “I think it could be developed more, for example [up to] skyscraper scale.”
“The high-rise building and landscaping are opposite, but maybe it could be a nice challenge to find something between skyscrapers and landscaping. I like to expand my way of thinking to explore pioneering or hidden places in the architectural field.”
News:Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto has unveiled his design for a mixed-use retail building as part of the developing Miami Design District.
Fujimoto‘s proposal features a facade covered with glass fins, which references the tropical rain that falls in the city during the summer.
Arcades on two levels will be enveloped by the glazed structure, which links the storefronts with a pedestrianised courtyard in the southern part of the Miami Design District.
“We believe the proposal will create an emblematical environment for the area surrounding Palm Court. The daily experience of our harmonised facade-corridor will enrich the city experience,” said Sou Fujimoto.
The building is already under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2014.
Here’s some more information from the Miami Design District:
Miami Design District Unveils Plans for Building by Sou Fujimoto
The Miami Design District is proud to announce the commission of a new mixed-use retail building located in the neighborhood’s Palm Court. The latest development’s building façade is designed by award winning Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto. The project, one of the cornerstones of the pedestrian-centric area is scheduled for completion in 2014.
Inspired by the flowing movement of waterfalls and Miami’s tempestuous rain squalls, the building’s two-floor structure will feature an elongated series of glass fins extending from the rooftop down to the open courtyard creating a dynamic visual spectacle and alluding to the prevalent aquatic nature of the city. Spanning approximately 17,000 square-feet, the building’s façade encompasses first and second floor arcades creating a unique pedestrian experience under the structural waterfall. The retail housed within this project is part of Palm Court – the District’s southern pedestrian promenade. The addition of Fujimoto’s building furthers the Miami Design District’s dedication to create vibrant public spaces where art, commerce and community harmoniously coexist.
“We called on Fujimoto, one of the most exciting architects working today, to design the building and contribute his vision to the overall aesthetic of Palm Court. We are firmly committed to distinctive architecture and design as a way to realize our vision of enhancing and ultimately transforming the neighborhood. Creating engaging mixed retail and public spaces is integral to a thriving community. Fujimoto’s building will contribute well to the unity of design, fashion, art and architecture within the Design District,” said Craig Robins, President of Dacra.
One of today’s most forward thinking international architects, Sou Fujimoto is known for delicate, light structures and permeable enclosures. Inspired by organic eco-systems, such as forests, nests and the caves, Fujimoto’s signature creations exhibit a vibrant interplay between nature and architecture, blending the internal and external. Among Fujimoto’s projects in Japan are the Final Wooden House, T House and House N – in which one almost transparent volume is nested inside another – the Musashino Art Museum and the Library at Musashino Art University. In 2013, Fujimoto was selected to design the Serpentine Gallery pavilion in London, one of the world’s most ambitious architectural commissions.
“We believe the proposal will create an emblematical environment for the area surrounding Palm Court. The daily experience of our harmonized facade-corridor will enrich the city experience.” said Sou Fujimoto, about his design.
The Miami Design District is a unique, 18 square-block neighborhood just north of downtown Miami comprised of creative experiences and is committed to the unity of design, fashion, art and architecture. The development is owned by Miami Design District Associates, a partnership between Craig Robins’ company Dacra, and L Real Estate, a global real estate development fund focused on luxury retail driven mixed-use projects in which LVMH is a minority investor.
News: Sou Fujimoto, the architect of this year’s Serpentine Pavilion, has defended the Japanese practice of hiring unpaid “open desk” interns, describing the system as a “nice opportunity” for both the employer and intern.
Speaking to Dezeen at the press preview of the pavilion yesterday, the head of Sou Fujimoto Architects said: “In Japan we have a long history of interns and usually the students work for free for several periods. It’s a nice opportunity for both of us: [for the employer] to know younger generations and for them to know how architects in Japan or different countries are working.”
He added: “For my office there are many, many interns – especially from abroad.”
“All staff must be paid if they are working for a RIBA chartered practice,” Brady told Dezeen. “If they do not do this, the practice will be struck off the chartered practice list.” Brady said this had happened in a handful of cases, but could not give figures.
She added: “I think it is exploitation to take staff who are doing productive work in your office and not pay them a fair wage”.
In Japan however, there is a widespread tradition of “open desk” working, where students and graduates typically spend between three and six months working without pay to gain experience. Architecture firms regularly use “open desk” workers to build models and prepare drawings.
“They get scholarships by themselves and they come to my office and spend from three months to six months sometimes,” said Fujimoto, who is based in Tokyo. “The interns are making beautiful models and sometimes if it is a long period, for example six months, they can join more deeply in the project. They are really helpful and they are really powerful.”
He added that the debate about the ethics of taking on unpaid workers had yet to surface in Japan. “In Japan we don’t yet have much discussion as to whether it is good or bad. I understand that there is such a discussion surrounding working for free and whether it is good or bad, so I’d like to see how the whole discussion is going along.”
Internships with high-profile Japanese architects are popular with international students and graduates, who are not offered any financial help with travel or accommodation and are expected to make their own visa arrangements. They are expected to work the same long hours as paid staff, with the working day lasting from 10am to midnight in some offices.
Fujimoto added: “If you have to pay all the interns, then we’d definitely have to limit the number of the interns and we couldn’t provide such an opportunity for students or younger people to gain experience in […] architecture.”
In this movie filmed by Dezeen at the unveiling of this year’s Serpentine Gallery Pavilion in London today, Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto explains how he used a rigid geometric grid to create a soft and natural atmosphere.
Photograph by Iwan Baan
“The inspiration started from the beautiful surroundings,” Fujimoto says. “I was so impressed by the beautiful green surroundings, so I tried to create in this green environment something between nature and architecture, tried to create a transparent sturcture that melts into the background.”
Photograph by Iwan Baan
To achieve this, Fujimoto created his pavilion from a white lattice of steel poles, with variations in density creating a structure that appears more or less transparent depending on where you stand.
“The grid itself is quite straight, rigid and quite artificial,” he says. “But when you have such a huge amount, it becomes more like an organic cloud-like or forest-like [structure].
Photograph by Iwan Baan
“I was fascinated by such a beautiful contrast [beween] the really sharp, artificial white grids and the organic, formless experience.”
Image copyright Dezeen
Fujimoto goes on to reveal that it took him a while to work out how protect visitors to the pavilion from the rain. “We couldn’t put a roof on [it] because it would spoil this beautiful structure,” he says. “Finally we had the idea to use polycarbonate transparent discs,” which slot in between the gaps in the lattice.
Image copyright Dezeen
The polycarbonate tiles are not just to provide shelter, Fujimoto says. “Sometimes, if the wind is coming, [the roof] starts to swing and [creates] a more soft atmosphere, and a beautiful contrast with the grid.”
Here’s a full set of images from this year’s Serpentine Gallery Pavilion by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto (+ slideshow).
Unveiled this morning, Sou Fujimoto‘s design features a cloud-shaped grid of steel poles with varying density.
The sticks part to form two doorways and visitors can climb up onto transparent ledges within the structure.
They can also sit at cafe tables and chairs underneath, sheltered from above by a layer of transparent plastic discs.
The pavilion will open to the public from Saturday and remain in front of the Serpentine Gallery in Kensington Gardens until 20 October 2013.
Dezeen published the first photos of the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2013 from the press preview this morning, where Fujimoto explained how he wanted to “create a nice mixture of nature and architecture,” adding “that has been the great interest for me these last ten years.”
The annual unpaid Serpentine Gallery Pavilion commission is one of the highlights in world architecture and goes to a high-profile architect who has not yet built in the UK. At 41, Fujimoto is the youngest to have accepted the invitation.
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