Design
March 6, 2015
EXHIBITION | "9h" (Nine Hours) and the Exhibition: A New Form of Accommodation
Fumie Shibata Participates in Creative Direction and Product Design
What is "9h" (Nine Hours), a New Form of Accommodation!?
In December 2009, an intriguing hotel will open its doors, starting in Kyoto. It's called "9h" (Nine Hours). This is a new type of capsule hotel, enhanced by the power of design.
Fumie Shibata is in charge of creative direction and product design for this project. AXIS GALLERY will also host an exhibition showcasing the sleeping units and amenities that will be implemented in "9h".
Text by Katsura Samata
The Concept: 1 Hour (Wash) + 7 Hours (Sleep) + 1 Hour (Prepare)
For business trips, travel, or even overnight stays due to late work. The "9h Nine Hours Project" redefines the essential functions of urban accommodation. Alongside Fumie Shibata, Masanori Hiramura is responsible for sign and graphic design, and Takaaki Nakamura for interior design.
From the end of one day to the beginning of the next.
They translate three human activities into time: 1 hour (to wash away sweat), 7 hours (to sleep), and 1 hour (to prepare). Based on this concept, they have translated the functions of accommodation and the value of staying into spatial design.
Beyond the concept itself, attention is drawn to Shibata's skill in creating numerous products that are both functional and reassuring to users. What kind of dreams will this unique space inspire?
SHIBATA Fumie
Representative, Design Studio S
After graduating from Musashino Art University's Department of Industrial Design in 1990, she worked at Toshiba Design Center before establishing Design Studio S in 1994. She is active in the field of industrial design, working on everything from electronics to daily necessities.
Her major works include the "Combi Baby Llei Series," "MUJI Body Fit Sofa," "Zojirushi Mamino "ZUTTO"," "Omron Electronic Thermometer Kenonkun," and "AU by KDDI Mobile Phones Sweets series and junior mobile phones."
She served as a judge for the Good Design Award (2003-2005). She has received numerous Good Design Awards, the highest Gold Prize at the German iF Design Award in 2007, and an award at the German red dot design award in 2008.
"9h: Nine Hours Exhibition"
AXIS Gallery
4F Axis Building, 5-17-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Wednesday, August 19 - Friday, August 21, 2009
11:00 - 21:00 (until 19:00 on the 19th)
Free Admission
Design Studio S
Tel. 03-3479-7113
http://www.9hours.jp/