Japan – DesignApplause

video presentation & report – new national stadium tokyo. zaha hadid architects.

Aug 26, 2015

In November of 2012 Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) is selected from 46 submissions by the jury of architects and experts as the winner of the international completion for a New National Stadium for Japan. The venue is to last the next 50-100 years and that it would host the 2019 Rugby World Cup as its first event, then the Tokyo Olympics-Paralympics if Tokyo was awarded the 2020 Games.

This past July 2015 the National Stadium and ZHA experienced many new announcements, as you might expect, including: The New National Stadium Advisory Committee ministers approving the design and budget of the stadium; Prime Minister Abe announcing his commitment to building the stadium designed by ZHA; The Japanese Government deciding to scrap everything and start over.

The original stadium proposal is both admired and polarizing. The noise generated by architectural notables is worth noting: Tadao Ando, a 1995 Pritzker winner, chairman of the competition selection panel said of the winner: “The entry’s dynamic and futuristic design embodies the messages Japan would like to convey to the rest of the world.” He added: “I believe this stadium will become a shrine for world sport for the next 100 years.”

But there are equally notable detractors, 2013 Pritzker winner Toyo Ito and prominent Japanese architect Arata Isozaki saying it reminded him of a turtle. Another likened the proposal to another kind of animal.

“Why do we need this white elephant?” said Fumihiko Maki, a 1993 Pritzker winner. “Tokyo is not a zoo.”

There was additional noise that the winner of the National Stadium was not from Japan. But the finalists were in fact well-vetted: The Japan Sport Council, owner of the Kasumigaoka National Stadium, selected a total of 11 out of the 46 entries for the international design competition to update and remodel the venue in preparation for Tokyo’s Olympic and Paralympic Bid and the IRB 2019 Rugby World Cup. The 11 finalists were renown offices from Australia (1), France (1), Germany (1), Great britain (2), Japan (4), Netherlands (1), and Turkey (1).

Arguably, a most compelling bad vibe was the estimated 2020 finished product $2 billion price tag, supposedly even after a redesign in 2014 by ZHA.

The Tokyo stadium faces another challenge: It must avoid becoming an economic burden by carving out a life as a sports resource long after closing ceremonies. The most recent example is the London Aquatics Centre for the 2012 London Olympics. On 1 March 2014, the centre was opened to the public. Architect of record: ZHA.

So here we are today in late August 2015, with ZHA submitting a thorough revisiting of the project brief, which correctly asks for an 80,000 seat solution to sit on a tight parcel of urban real estate. The architect affirms the price-tag problem is not the design but the non-competitive bidding process and inflationary economy that is Japan at this point in time.

Admittedly, I had concerns with this concept in this venue at first glance. Will the stadium encroach on the nearby historic Meiji Shrine, built in central Tokyo in the early 20th century to commemorate Emperor Meiji. The arena will occupy part of the shrine’s outer gardens, which preservationists say leaving no breathing space and raising traffic and safety concerns.

above> the original national stadium that hosted the 1964 olympics is the oval in the red plot – seating capacity 55,000. below> the new seating bowl with and w/o roof exoskeleton – seating 80,000.

Let’s consider everyone craving an efficient and smart solution, which in fact may be sitting dead center right in front of them. The concept sketches draw much more attention to the building than what will really be. And the façade where the structure is not only expressed but inhabited. A series of diagonal stairways and elevated walkways are developed into the envelope of the stadium that function as a stadium on event days and other days it’s an extension of the pedestrian landscape of the Gainen area, allowing extended walks and elevated views over Tokyo.

above> a pedestrian landscape of the Gainen area, allowing extended walks and elevated views over Tokyo. below> carving out a life as a destination for many interests, a rock concert for example, long after closing ceremonies.

Hence, the more I understand the proposed solution, understand the considerable change the new speaks to the old, there is much more right than wrong. The proposal is worth another look.

Lest we forget, the brief also asks for a 50-plus-year lifespan at minimum. Who can’t envision the future landscape shift around this building – because of this building. We’ve learned the new and significant speaks to future ambitions.

Official ZHA Statement> [ zha / new national stadium report august 201 ] outline in detail the unique design for the New National Stadium which has been developed over two years to be the most compact and efficient stadium for this very special location in Tokyo. Zaha Hadid Architects welcomes a new contractor bidding process for the New National Stadium to reduce costs and ensure value for money in terms of quality, durability and long-term sustainability.

Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects and our Japanese partners, the New National Stadium contains all the knowledge and expertise gained from the team’s direct experience of other Olympic, World Cup and World Championship stadia. The substantial investment in time, effort and resources already made by the Government and people of Japan into the existing team over the past two years ensures the New National Stadium can be completed in time to welcome the world to Japan in 2019 ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and become a new home for sport for many future generations of Japan’s athletes, sportsmen and women.

[ prologue ]
September 2011> Tokyo submits their bid for the 2020 Olympic Games. Istanbul, Madrid and Tokyo are later shortlisted.

November 2012> Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) was selected from 46 submissions by the jury of architects and experts as the winner of the international competition for a New National Stadium for Japan to last the next 50-100 years and that would host the 2019 Rugby World Cup as its first event, then the Tokyo Olympics-Paralympics if Tokyo was awarded the 2020 Games.

September 2013> International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced Tokyo as the host city of the 2020 Olympic Games.

June 2014> ZHA submits a redesign responding to new budgetary restraints. The modifications include downsizing (the 80,000 seat capacity remained the same), a lower profile and lighter and sustainable materials.

Spring 2015> The old stadium which hosted the 1964 Olympic Games was demolished. (Surveys of the old stadium had found the original 1958 structure in considerable disrepair. Simply to meet current seismic and safety codes would have required an investment of at 100 billion yen alone. Further investment was also required for improvements to the facilities for athletes, spectator sight-lines and amenities, and to increase capacity from 55,000 to 80,000.)

7 July 2015> The New National Stadium Advisory Committee ministers approves the design and budget of the stadium.

10 July 2015> Prime Minister Abe announced his commitment to building the stadium design by ZHA.

17 July 2015> The Japanese Government decides to go back to the start on the New National Stadium.

25 August 2015> ZHA / New National Stadium Report August 2015 is submitted.

[ new national stadium video presentation ] [ zha / new national stadium report august 201 ]

events1 at london design festival 2014.

Sep 16, 2014

library: private members club / see below

[ exhibitions | installations | open houses ]

event> [ ama 2014 ]
venue> v&a | cromwell road SW7 2RL | south kensington tube | 10a > 5.45p
info> Michael Anastassiades in collaborates with Flos presenting lighting installation Ama, made by mouth blown opaline spheres and brass. An appreciation of the pearl diving mermaids of Japan.

event> [ disobedient objects ]
venue> v&a | cromwell road SW7 2RL | south kensington tube | 10a > 5.45p
info> As the central hub location for the London Design Festival for the sixth year, the V&A will again house a broad range of commissioned activity which will be spread throughout the Museum and include installations, events, talks and workshops.

event> [ Double Space for BMW – Precision & Poetry in Motion ]
venue> venue> v&a | cromwell road SW7 2RL | south kensington tube | 10a > 5.45p
info> The exhibit is a kinetic sculpture created from huge reflectors measuring around 10 x 15 meters. One side is flat and the other is like a lens, reflecting the gallery in differing ways as they move in a choreographed fashion.

event> [ high street highline camden collective ]
venue> collective | 26 camden high street | 10a > 5p mon>sat
info> Collective invites artists and designers to produce temporary installations for the roof tops of Camden High Street. We explore the creative possibility of these vacant upper corridors and offer an alternative perspective, taking inspiration from New York’s regeneration project, ‘The High Line’.

event> [ library: a private member’s club ‘open house’ ]
venue> 19 greek street | 122 st-martins lane, covent garden WC2N 4BD | charing cross tube | 10a > 6p
info> Designed by Marc Peridis of 19 greek street, LIBRARY is London’s new member’s club targeting an intellectual elite of architects, interior designers, writers, playwrights and more. Opening in September, the exclusive club will open it’s doors to the public For the duration of LDF.

event> [ louis kahn: the power of architecture ]
venue> design museum | shad thames SE1 2YD | london bridge tube | 10am – 5.45pm
info> The American architect Louis Kahn is one of the great master builders of the 20th Century. In this exhibition, discover how Kahn created a modern form of expression for the eternal and essential qualities of architecture.

event> [ off | cut ]
venue> | fritz Hansen showroom | 13 margaret street W1W 8RN | oxford circus tube | 10a > 6.30p / wed 10a > 9p
info> an experimental, deployable structure that investigates the inventive re-use of Fritz Hansen’s material waste. Designed by Chung Tyson Architects.

event> [ open studio ]
date> 20 september | 11a > 6p
venue> sebastian bergne studio | 2 ingate place SW8 3NS | queenstown Road station |
info> Sebastian Bergne will be opening his studio to visitors. Displayed in the context of his working environment will be new and old projects for the arrangement of flowers.

event> [ space and light ]
venue> sir john soane’s museum | 13 lincoln’s inn fields WC2A 3BP | holborn tube |
10a > 5p tue/sat
info> A pop-up exhibition inspired by Sir John Soane’s use of space and light. Leading contemporary designers and artists, including Ab Rogers, Paul Schutze, Sebastian Bergne and Tiipoi install their work in the Museum’s historic interior.

[ party! ]

event> [ heal’s tottenham court road party ]
date> 17 september | 6 > 9p
venue> the heal’s building | 196 tottenham court road SW2 4DR | the goodge street tube |

Reliability bites: 2014 japanese cars take a hit.

Oct 29, 2013

reality bites: 2014 japanese cars take a hit. consumer reports survey questioned 1.1 million owners. via washington post [RK]

Toyo ito awarded 2013 pritzker prize.

Mar 19, 2013

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Japanese architect Toyo Ito, has been named the 37th recipient of the prestigious Pritzker Prize. Ito’s works, described by the jury as “timeless buildings” that express “optimism, lightness and joy” have made waves throughout the world for their distinct pairings of organic form and technological innovation. The award is often referred to as the Nobel prize of the architecture world.

Ito’s Sendai Mediatheque, which survived the devastating magnitude -9.0 earthquake in 2011, is now a striking example of seismically-resistant architecture, while his dragon-shaped stadium in Taiwan was notable not only for it’s unusual form, but also for being entirely solar-powered.

Japanese architect Toyo Ito, 71, joined such luminaries as Frank Gehry, IM Pei and Renzo Piano and became the sixth Japanese architect to receive the prize since it was first awarded in 1979.

Ito, who was recognized for buildings he has designed in Japan and beyond, accepted the honor by saying that whenever he finished designing a building, he became “painfully aware of my own inadequacy, and it turns into energy to challenge the next project. Therefore, I will never fix my architectural style and never be satisfied with my works”.

Some of Ito’s notable creations include the curvaceous Municipal Funeral Hall in Gifu, Japan; the transparent Sendai Mediatheque library in Miyagi, Japan; the arch-filled Tama Art University library in suburban Tokyo; the spiral White O residence in Marbella, Chile; and the angular 2002 Serpentine Gallery pavilion in London.

Chilean architect and Pritzker Prize jury member Alejandro Aravena said: “His buildings are complex, yet his high degree of synthesis means that his works attain a level of calmness, which ultimately allows the inhabitants to freely develop their life and activities in them.”

Ito began his career at Kiyonori Kikutake & Associates after he graduated from Tokyo University in 1965 and he founded his own firm in 1971. His works have been exhibited in museums in the US, England, Denmark, Italy, Chile and numerous cities in Japan.

Ito will receive a $100,000 (£66,000) grant and a bronze medallion at the formal Pritzker ceremony on 29 May at the John F Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston.

Sponsored by the Hyatt Foundation, the Pritzker Prize was established by the late entrepreneur Jay A Pritzker and his wife, Cindy, to honor “a living architect whose built work demonstrates a combination of those qualities of talent, vision and commitment, which has produced consistent and significant contributions to humanity and the built environment through the art of architecture.” The Pritzker family founded the prize because of its involvement with developing Hyatt Hotel properties around the world and because architecture was not included in the Nobel prizes. AP

[ toyo ito architects ]

Nissan townpod ev concept.

Nov 7, 2012

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Looking back ( it seems way back ) to the 2010 Paris Motor Show let’s revisit Nissan’s second electric vehicle (EV) concept. The Townpod was developed as a green DIY vehicle.

With the Townpod concept Nissan wants to offer the possibility to customers of choosing the interior specifications of their vehicle by using proprietary as well as third-party sourced accessories. The idea is that everyone adapts the car to its individual needs. For example a musician transporting its kit between gigs, a delicatessen proprietor distributing their wares or an architect carrying drawings to a client musician.

According to Nissan’s Exploratory and Advance Planning Department, François Bancon, “Only they know what is essential for their lives, so it is logical that they should be the ones who determine the ultimate specification of their cars. For them an off-the-shelf solution is not enough and the best-equipped people to tailor-make their cars are themselves. What is more revealing is that Nissan Townpod users do not appreciate stereotypes or status symbols. For them, the ultimate status is to have no status.”

[ at a glance ]
An unprecedented tool for today’s entrepreneurs
Simple platform, which users can tailor to their own needs
Combines benefits of a passenger car with practicality of a light commercial vehicle
Compact external dimensions belie generous interior space
Low, flat-floor features long sliding rear seat
Rear hinged rear doors and split trunk doors ease access in tight spots
Touch-screen display cooperates with user’s PDA
Zero-emission propulsion matches modern professionals’ core values

[ exterior design ]
Externally Nissan Townpod consist of many familiar elements, yet it is different. It employs the same zero-emission technology found within Nissan LEAF. Charging points can be found in the nose behind an automatically retracting cover.

The headlights reflect Nissan Townpod’s philosophy of stylish utility by serving as position markers when the blue “petals” are closed and headlights when open.

The car is decidedly more van-like with its split rear doors. Innovative hinges allow the rear doors to slide, then open in confined spaces and then fold to the side of the car so as not to obstruct passing traffic or pedestrians. A hatch-like sun roof, directly above the cargo area, allows Nissan Townpod to carry taller objects.

[ interior design ]
The driver is faced with an uncomplicated yet futuristic steering wheel and two familiar stalks to operate the lights and wipers, but other than these controls – which are beautifully simple in their own light – the flowing dashboard is devoid of mechanical switches. Forward or rearward drive is selected using an uncomplicated joystick set into the right-hand side of the driver’s seat base.

The rear seat itself has an interesting trick incorporated into its design. While it is not uncommon to find rear seats that slide or fold, enabling passengers to either prioritize leg room or luggage space, the ultra-slim design of the seats means that the rear bench can fold and slide right into the back of the front seats, freeing the entire, flat-bottomed space behind to carry bulky cargo.

[ dual screen display ]
All controls for ancillaries such as climate control and media playback are accessed through two centrally mounted digital screens. The upper monitor serves as an instrument panel, displaying car speed, battery status and remaining range as well as a satellite navigation system. This system is also equipped with Bluetooth wireless technology, allowing it to communicate with the driver’s Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) that will map out a plan for all your appointments that day. It will also be able to suggest the most convenient time and place for you to recharge its lithium-ion batteries.”

The lower touchscreen provides all controls for the navigation system, allows users to perform system checks on the whole car and operates Nissan Townpod’s audio system.

[ conclusion ]
At its core, a car is a means to transport people or goods from one place to another as simply and easily as possible. Though two year’s old, a long-time in the concept category, Nissan Townpod’s design supports the essence of its function. [ nissan zero-emmissions ] [ nissan ev history ]

Best upcycle: nendo for coca-cola.

Nov 7, 2012

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By now we’re all familiar with the array of lovely, upcycled glass wine bottles cut and repurposed as vases, carafes, decanters, etc. Japanese design powerhouse, Nendo, took the idea one step further with their recent collaboration with Coca-Cola, which they debuted a few days ago at Design Tide Tokyo.

The five-piece dishware set is handblown in northern Japan from recycled glass Coke bottles. Though the glass isn’t cut from larger bottles, the design of the dishes mimics that cut mark and also references the bottle’s shape, with the circle of dimples on the bottom. We’re not soda drinkers, but we love the glass’ greenish hue and the way it looks on a table, as well as the slight imperfections that come with handmade objects, like the air bubbles.

images courtesy designboom

about perrin drumm

Max phillips: design for a chubby world.

Aug 10, 2012

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Max Phillips wholeheartedly embraced the archetypal Japanese aesthetic when he interned for Metaphys in Osaka and Nendo in Tokyo after completing his BA in furniture and product design at Nottingham Trent University. His Mizu chair, for example, is so minimal it’s almost non-existent. Constructed from a single sheet of clear acrylic, Mizu ‘s joint-free, “barely there” frame is designed to be more than unobtrusive, it blends completely into the background. “When viewed face on,” Phillips says, “the chair disappears into its surroundings, leaving only the visible trace of its steel supports.”

It’s part of Phillips’ personal brand strategy, something he calls POCHA POCHA, which translates into “slightly chubby” in Japanese. To Phillips it means designing “simple, thoughtful products that bring balance to the ‘chubby’ world we live in.” Another of Phillip’s antidotes to our chubby world is his lovely set of desk objects, three white circular containers that only reveal their contents when you pick them up, a motion that triggers a piece of “switchable glass” that changes from opaque to transparent (you can watch a video of it in action). Phillips has designated one container as a clock, another as a light and the third is left up to you. The three desk objects are quite charming, and I’d really love to see Phillips apply the switchable glass in other products as well.

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Epilogue-prologue by design soil.

May 4, 2012

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“Design Soil is a design project by teaching staff and students, from the product design department at Kobe Design University, who are design lovers. As a design university, we have attempted to create a space which let young designers to think and create things one by one slowly yet steadily like plants grow in soil.”

Design Soil’s latest project is Epilogue-Prologue, a collection of pieces intended to “walk along together for a long period of time” – from the epilogue to the prologue, get it? Rollin’ Rollin’ stool is a basic beech-wood frame with a spindle attached to the base, allowing you to make use leftover yarn or the remnants of a old sweater. You create the cushion yourself (you might need two sweaters if you like it extra soft) and when it’s worn out simply take a jumper out your Goodwill donation bag and make yourself another.

Growth is a coat rack that’s almost too cute for words. Each movable hanger is assigned to a member of your family, so you can track the growth of your kids along the rack instead of marking up a perfectly nice doorway. My favorite, though, is Steps, a bench with a removable cushion. I love the simplicity of the bench but also the functionality of the cushion, shown here in classic robin’s egg blue. You can use in a couple of ways: as a bench with a tufted seat and room to the side for your papers or coffee. You can take the cushion out and use it somewhere else in the room or you can lift it out of its hole and let you child use it as a desk.

about perrin drumm

Cool japan – "future tradition wao" exhibition.

Feb 8, 2012

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In the spirit of beating to death a duality design vision in 2012 here is another wonderful example happening this weekend in NYC: Cool Japan – Future Tradition

venue: capsule studio | 873 broadway #204
date: 10 > 12 february | 9a > 7p / 6p on 12 february

PR2 robot learns how to get a subway sandwich.

Oct 10, 2011

The University of Tokyo and Technische Universität München, uses semantic search to task a PR2 robot with fetching a sandwich. The PR2 has no detailed information on sandwiches, but its database tells it that sandwiches are a type of food, and that food can be found in kitchens and restaurants, its database also has maps and locations, and from that, it figures out where to look. The robot has to figure out how to find and use an elevator to a lower level where a Subway is located.

“Semantic search” is the process of deriving logical conclusions from premises known or assumed to be true. In this example it’s a computerized version of what we humans think of as “common sense.” For example, if someone asks you to bring them a glass without telling you exactly where the glass is, you’re probably smart enough to infer that a glass can be found in cabinets or dishwashers, and cabinets and dishwashers are typically located in a kitchen, so you can go to the kitchen, poke around a bit, and find a glass.

[ willow garage ]

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