Okamura Presents “Flow-er” with Architect Akihisa Hirata and Greenhouse Specialist Yuji Tsukada

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Okamura Design Space R: 10th Exhibition

Akihisa Hirata x Yuji Tsukada: "Flow-er" Exhibition

Okamura Corporation established "Okamura Design Space R" for various events, including design exhibitions and talk shows. Each time, multiple artists from different genres engage in ambitious collaborations that extend beyond the realm of art into new frontiers of science and industry. This time, architect Akihisa Hirata and flower artist Yuji Tsukada are invited to present an installation.

Text by SUGIURA Shu (OPENERS)

An Unprecedented Office Space Filled with Greenery

Using water and plants, a landscape reminiscent of a great flower from our dormant memories, or a gentle pastoral scene.—The space recreated by the architect and flower artist this time is one where the beauty of nature is strongly felt, unlike anything one would expect indoors. The title "Flow-er" is said to signify a primal landscape that emerges through the power of flowing water and plants.

At "Okamura Design Space R," exhibitions are planned each time by architects based on the theme, "What are you most interested in in architectural design right now, and what would you like to experiment with here?" This is an attempt to express the near future of architecture and landscape within the installation.

Mr. Hirata expressed his desire to challenge situations where elements actively "intertwine." "It's not too difficult to intertwine water and plants on the surface of an architectural structure. I envision a landscape that goes a few steps further, intertwining with the space of the location, and further still with the physical movements of the visitors."

Furthermore, this time, they are also challenging themselves to introduce the "power of overflowing water and plants" into an artificial office space. This requires the technology to maintain and nurture the overflowing power of water and plants throughout the exhibition period. The vision and technical prowess of collaborator Mr. Tsukada are indispensable.

The two explain the exhibition: "We want to create a scene in the office space where water, structure, and plants intertwine, defying categorization as either garden or architecture. Water flows down like a single flower, spreading as it cascades along the central acrylic structure. Visitors enter this world and listen to the myriad of visible and invisible flows. Guided by the thinking of a gardener, this is an attempt to release the rigid shell of architecture into the flow of water, and to release our bodies into the changing states of water."

During the exhibition period, symposiums, a performance of "The Sound of Water" by Noh actor Noboru Yasuda, and a flower workshop by Mr. Tsukada will also be held.

"Flow-er"

Exhibition Architect | Akihisa Hirata

Collaborator | Yuji Tsukada

Exhibition Period | July 24 (Tue) - August 10 (Fri), 2012

10:00 - 18:00 (Closed July 29, August 4 & 5)

Admission | Free

Venue | Okamura Garden Court Showroom

"Okamura Design Space R"

4-1 Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

New Otani Garden Court 3F

Tel. 03-5276-2001

http://www.okamura.co.jp/company/topics/2012/2012spaceR.php

Symposium: "The Landscape of Flow-er"

Date & Time | Saturday, July 28, 2012, 15:00 - 17:00 (Capacity: 80)

Panelists | Akihisa Hirata, Yuji Tsukada, Anchor: Masato Kawamukai

Performance: "The Sound of Water"

Date & Time | Friday, August 3, 2012, Doors open 19:00, Performance 19:30 - 21:00 (Capacity: 60)

Noh Actor (Shite Kata): Noboru Yasuda, Noh Flutist (Fue Kata): Satoshi Tsuketaku

Venue | Okamura Garden Court Showroom (New Otani Garden Court 3F)

"Flow-er" Workshop: "Meguri Hana"

Date | Thursday, August 2, 2012, 19:00 - 21:00

What to Bring | Flower shears

Capacity | 25 participants

Participation Fee | Free

Facilitators | Yuji Tsukada / Akihisa Hirata

Application & Inquiries

Okamura Corporation (Customer Service Center)