AXIS vol. 154 in store now!
11.11.01
Cover Interview Alejandro Aravena
According to Chilean architect Alejandro Aravena, constraints and restrictions are what’s important, not ideal conditions. You must accept the reality in front of you, and without trying to escape from it, get to the core of the matter by asking questions and removing unnecessary elements. Aravena’s philosophy, which says the professional can demonstrate creativity precisely because constraints exist, should be an encouragement to creators in every field.
Feature The Power of Research
It’s only natural to conduct some kind of research before engaging a project. In this issue we introduce not simply “research during the design process” but phenomena that give rise to new viewpoints and concepts and research into how that process takes place. We bring you examples of how designers broaden their “visual fields,” give birth to new ideas, and connect them to new possibilities.
Traditional Craft Forms Noh Masks
Noh performers say Noh masks are alive. Noh masks that change expression through subtle differences in angle make their appeal simply through their presence. An omote (mask face) carved from a single piece of wood becomes instilled with a spirit. What is it that a Noh mask artisan is giving form to? We visited the atelier of Koichi Takatsu, one of the leading Noh mask artisans of today.
Opinion Roland Schwertner, Founder & owner of NOMOS Glashtte/SA
We will keep creating objects for eternity as a Manufacture d’horlogerie
Although Roland Schwertner was not a timepiece expert, he established the watchmaker NOMOS Glashtte and developed it into a major brand. His adherence to a thorough philosophy of refusing to kowtow to market trends has earned NOMOS the respect of the industry. We visited him at the company’s head office in Glashtte in the former East Germany.
New sereies Life in Tokyo with civil engineering No.1: Macho appearances
Although it may be an exaggeration to say “Tokyo is founded on civil engineering!,” the role civil engineering plays in our ordinary lives is considerable. Civil engineering can be easy-to-identify projects such as highways and bridges or structures that are buried underground and go unnoticed. It may include everything from buildings that have a civil engineering flavor to initiatives on a scale that covers an entire city. We are surrounded by countless civil engineering facilities, and live under their influence. This series introduces life in Tokyo from the viewpoint of civil engineering.
Topics New design fostered through communication with others―Carbon fiber furniture by designer Kiyomi Suzuki
Kiyomi Suzuki who unveiled the carbon fiber chair Zphyr in the fall of 2010 is a young designer at Ishimaru Co., Ltd. Suzuki will unveil Khlris, a table with integrated lighting, as the second product in the series this November. Although Suzuki has completed only two products in her name, she is a promising designer who avidly absorbs knowledge while startling those around her.
Topics A transportable lab for the city―BMW Guggenheim Lab
BMW Guggenheim Lab was established to explore solutions to the mountain of problems cities will face in the future. The project, which will be carried out with assistance from various fields such as design, architecture, and art over a period of six years, was launched in August in New York City.
Topics A building that looks like a fantastic creature reflects the city―Shanghai Himalaya Center by Arata Isozaki
Himalaya Center, designed by Arata Isozaki, surprised passer-bys even while it was under construction. When looking up at its complexly curved faade from up close, it resembles a gigantic, energetic creature about to take off any moment. The exterior was completed in October 2010, and Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Shanghai opened in one wing of the building this April. The entire picture of this complex building that aims to be the largest in Asia is gradually becoming clear.
Other series
The Prototype Yamaha “Prototype for a new audio system”
Blinking Memory Blink collection and camera
Masaaki Hiromura’s Junglin’ Aim at the upper left
A wealth of books and reading Noboru Tsubaki, Junji Hada, Naoto Fukasawa
Creators’ Work and Soul Hideo Kambara, Kohki Hiranuma
Other topics
Resurrecting Detroit under the D concept
Interior design by Salto & Siggaad for Finn Juhl Chamber restoration project at the United Nations
Tokyo Midtown Design Award 2011
The 6th Promise for the future, All-star Design Showcase etc.
