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September 24, 2024
VS. Launches as a Cultural Engine Transmitting Innovation from Osaka to the World | VS.
VS. | V.S.
A New Landmark to Stimulate Intellectual Curiosity Opens in Osaka Ahead of the Expo
VS. (V.S.), the centerpiece of the redevelopment project in Osaka's Umekita district, which we reported on at the end of October last year, opened on September 6th with an opening ceremony. The inaugural exhibition, 'Continuum Resonance,' a new solo exhibition by Daito Manabe, showcased its presence as a hub for intellectual creation.
Photo & Text by KAWASE Takuro
A Unique Low-Rise Building in Harmony with its Lush Green Surroundings
While redevelopment of terminal areas such as the Yaesu South Exit of Tokyo Station and the Shibuya Station area has been ongoing for some time, the "Umekita Project," the redevelopment of the former Umeda Freight Station site, the largest terminal area in Kansai, stands out in terms of its scale. A portion of "Grand Green Osaka," a large urban park to be completed in 2027 as the second phase, recently opened.
Located almost in the center of the north-south stretching site, VS. appears to have Grand Front, a先行 development, towering behind it when viewed from the front, and sits quietly amidst lush green lawns and trees when viewed from the back. Its understated exterior, despite the fanfare, is a result of its deliberately low-rise design to harmonize with the verdant urban park. Tadao Ando, who designed VS., is from Minato Ward, Osaka, and the design and supervision were carried out with consideration for the area's transformation since the turbulent post-war period.
A Vast Underground Space Unimaginable from its Modest Exterior
Descending the stairs and entering STUDIO.A, where the press conference was held, revealed a vast space beyond expectation, with a ceiling height of 15 meters and a floor area of 280 square meters. The ceremony was attended by VS. instigators Takuya Nomura and Kenichiro Yamamura, as well as Ando, Osaka Governor Yoshimura, and Osaka Mayor Yokoyama. As guests offered their congratulations in turn and the opening was announced, the ceremony reached its climax.
The ceremony concluded with atmospheric live music and the projection of an image. This vast underground space is expected to offer unprecedented experiences not only for exhibitions and conventions but also for entertainment such as live performances and theater. The press were temporarily asked to leave STUDIO.A for a changeover and were then guided to Manabe's 'Continuum Resonance,' the inaugural exhibition at VS. This exhibition, meticulously planned for several years prior to the opening, embodies the innovation that VS. aims to transmit.
Tadao Ando's Architecture Collides with Cutting-Edge Digital Art
Manabe, who also leads Rhizomatiks, known for its innovative installations and visual works utilizing technology, personally guided the press through the exhibition, explaining the installations, some of which were being shown for the first time. Numerous sensors installed throughout the venue detect the viewers' positions and, in conjunction with VS.'s architectural data and proprietary algorithms, dynamically alter the 3D visuals and music in real-time. All the journalists present were captivated by the confrontation and fusion of the vast underground space and the stunning performance.
Experience Innovation from Osaka to the World
Graphics are projected onto the walls of three exhibition rooms—large, medium, and small—and the connecting foyer, while large speakers fill the space with subterranean bass and light, clicking sounds. Manabe and Ando, from different generations and fields, have brilliantly expressed the innovation born from the confrontation of art and technology. This exhibition runs until October 14th (Monday, holiday), so don't miss it.
Redevelopment of terminal areas has often resulted in massive skyscrapers filled with luxury brands and popular restaurants, creating an exclusive atmosphere. In contrast, VS., located underground within a lush urban park, offers an inclusive and open space. With exhibitions curated based on Osaka's regional identity, history, and a premise of innovation, it is poised to serve as a cultural transmission device for the future.
VS.
Address | 6-86 Daifuku-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, Grand Green Osaka, Umekita Park, North Park
