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Art Project at GARDE: Kiyoo Ota Solo Exhibition “Grid”

GARDE Gallery’s ongoing art gallery project will feature the solo exhibition “Grid” by artist Kiyoo Ota, running from Friday, February 21, 2025, to Saturday, March 8, 2025.

The concept of a grid is widely used in fields such as architecture, design, mathematics, and urban planning. It consists of a structured network of lines or points that visually and physically represent order and structure as a fundamental framework. However, when intersected with other dynamics and visual effects, unexpected transformations can occur.

Building on an architectural perspective, Ota delves into the themes of visual perception, space, and order. Using architectural grid structures as a starting point, he explores their visual and philosophical potential from multiple angles. Particularly through the moiré effect, a visual interference phenomenon, his work reveals moments where static order begins to waver, giving rise to dynamic and uncertain spaces that evoke a unique sensory experience.

Kiyoo Ota 〈 Flower Diagonal Stainless Steel 〉2023

In architecture, perspective serves as both a framework for understanding space and a filter that limits perception. Through the process of deconstructing and reconstructing the fundamental architectural form of the cube, Kiyoo Ota challenges the illusions created by perspective and its inherent limitations. This exhibition reexamines this filter, presenting works that disrupt conventional spatial perception.

With his architectural background, Ota brings a unique perspective to the universal structure of the grid, revealing its contradictions and possibilities while offering new spatial experiences. By exploring the intersection of order and fluctuation, the exhibition invites viewers to reconsider their perception of the world.

Kiyoo Ota 〈 Stainless Steel Cube 150 〉2023

Kiyoo Ota

Born: 1981, Aomori Prefecture (raised in Akita Prefecture)
Education
2007: Completed Master’s Program, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo
2005: Graduated from the Department of Architecture, Kyoto University

Selected Solo Exhibitions
2024: Order, Gallery TK2
2023: Geometry, Daimaru Umeda Store
2023: Cosmos, Miaki Gallery
2023: Reality, Tagboat Gallery at Hankyu Men’s Tokyo

Selected Group Exhibitions / Art Fairs
2024: Art Central, Hong Kong
2024: ART ART TOKYO, Daimaru Tokyo Store
2024: ART SHINSAIBASHI, Shinsaibashi PARCO
2023: West Bund Art & Design, Shanghai
2023: Sarugaku Festival Art Fair, Art Front Gallery
2023: CHAPTER PATINA, Amanyangyun (Amanyang, Shanghai)
2023: Onbeat Art Show, Ginza Mitsukoshi
2023: China-Japan-Korea Sculpture Invitational Exhibition, Ministry of Culture of China, 2023: Qingdao Sculpture Art Museum
2023: Tennoz Canal Fes, WHAT CAFE, Terrada Warehouse
2023: Pre-Breakout Artists Exhibition, Ginza Six
2023: Contemporary Art from Around the World 2023, Daimaru Hakata Tenjin Store
2023: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otakiyoo/

Kiyoo Ota Solo Exhibition “Grid”

Dates：February 21 (Fri.) – March 8 (Sat.), 2025 *Closed on Sundays and holidays
Hours：11:00-18:00
Venue：GARDE Gallery (NBF ALLIANCE Bldg. 4F, 5-2-1 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Admission：free
URL：https://www.art-adf.jp/?sl=en

GARDE For “TUMI Ginza” Reopening as Asia’s Largest Directly Managed Store

Project

Tumi, the global brand in premium bags and travel essentials, has unveiled the renovated Tumi Ginza and celebrated its reopening on Saturday, November 30, 2024, as the largest sales floor in Asia. GARDE oversaw the facade design, interior design, design supervision, and construction of this milestone project.

The revamped Tumi Ginza reflects the brand’s latest store concept, featuring a natural white marble pattern and a smooth, layered curved design on the exterior that elevates Tumi’s distinct identity. Inside, the modern white and gray interior boasts marbleized flooring, glossy stainless steel, and titanium-coated columns embossed with Tumi’s signature “T” logo for a sophisticated touch.

Fixtures adorned with Tumi’s iconic “T” motif lend a sleek and stylish ambiance, while a standout feature—the titanium metallic painted magnetic wall—offers dynamic seasonal displays, bringing a fresh and engaging element to the store’s design.

Tumi Ginza presents an extensive selection of premium business and travel essentials, including men’s and women’s bags for everyday use, accessories, and exclusive products available only at Tumi’s directly managed stores. Notably, the coveted 19 Degree Titanium collection is exclusively available at Tumi Ginza and Tumi Omotesando in Japan, making it a must-visit destination for discerning shoppers.

TUMI Ginza

Address: 1F KIRARITO GINZA, 1-8-19 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Phone number: 03-6263-2731
Business hours: 11:00 – 20:00
Closed: Same as facility holidays
TUMI Official Site: https://www.tumi.co.jp/

GARDE Design Magazine provides project portfolio, trends in architecture, design, and art, and event information.
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Eight Years of Jury Experience on the Future: GARDE Italy President Yukio Ishiyama and the ‘Neo Laureati Award 2024’

Event

The Neo Laureati Award 2024 ceremony was held on December 12, 2024, at the Politecnico di Milano headquarters. This award aims to promote the value of architecture and design globally by selecting innovative and outstanding graduation theses from fields such as design, architecture, urban planning, landscape, and architectural conservation at Politecnico di Milano.

This year, Yukio Ishiyama, President of GARDE Italy, served as a jury member, conducting a rigorous evaluation of the many remarkable submissions. The jury panel also included distinguished architects and design professionals, including Colemzo Bini (Councilor, PPC Milan Architects Medal), Victoria Easton (Partner Architect, Christ & Gantenbein), Valentina Marchetti (UniFor & Molteni & C Historical Archives), and Pietro Pizzi (Architect, Studio Pizzi).

The Neo Laureati Award has been held annually since 2003. This year, 81 participants submitted 57 theses, covering topics that address pressing contemporary issues and regional challenges, such as the role of museum facilities, resource recovery in fragile territories, and marginality in Italy’s islands.
The event continues to serve as a prestigious platform for recognizing emerging talent in the fields of architecture and design.

“From Italy to the World: The Future Potential Shaped by Graduation Projects”

Yukio Ishiyama, President of GARDE Italy
Having served as a jury member for eight years, I continue to experience new discoveries and profound inspiration with each edition of the award. Once again, I was honored to witness the passion and dedication of the students through their projects. The jury panel, composed of renowned architects, university professors, and editors, ensures a fair and impartial evaluation process, maintaining the high standards that make this award truly exceptional.

This year’s winning projects stood out for their extensive research and investigations, not only within Italy but also abroad. Notably, an increasing number of projects address social and environmental challenges, reflecting a growing awareness of regional and global issues. The fusion of innovative ideas and meticulous research has resulted in works of remarkable quality and depth, leaving a lasting impression on me every time.

I am convinced that behind these outstanding projects lie the relentless efforts of students and the dedication of their mentors. I look forward to seeing more groundbreaking projects emerge through the Neo Laureati Award in the years to come.

Winning Project

Grand Prize: “The Podium Warehouse of the New KANAL Pompidou Center”
Author: Francesca De Santis
Supervisors: Jacopo Leveratto, Aslı Çiçek

Runner-Up:”Aqua ManifestA: An Experimental Theater on Water in Levanzo (TP)”
Authors: Pietro Dallera, Andrea Frontani, Alessandro Ricci
Supervisor: Jacopo Leveratto

Third Place:”Inter-Species Community”
Author: Paolo Grossi
Supervisor: Davide Fabio Colaci

The winning projects were highly praised by the jury for their innovative ideas and practical applications, as well as their in-depth exploration of the urgency and significance of contemporary architectural and design themes.
For more details on the award-winning projects, please visit:
https://www.adfwebmagazine.jp/design/neolaureati-prize-2024-best-graduates-architecture-theses-of-the-polytechnic-university-of-milan/

GARDE remains committed to supporting the global advancement of design and architecture, fostering new talent and groundbreaking ideas.

About GARDE Italy

Garde Italy, headquartered in Milan, is involved in a wide range of projects, from the architecture, façade, and interior design of fashion brand stores and restaurants in Florence and Milan to furniture design. By catering to diverse client needs, the office strives to create original and timeless spaces.　The company also actively engages with the latest trends and innovations in the real estate and design industries by participating in major events such as the retail real estate market event “MAPIC” and organizing collaborative exhibitions during Milan Design Week.

THE HUNDRED Longevity House― A Unique Experience of Art and Wellness

Project

In October 2024, THE HUNDRED Longevity House opened in Ginza, a bustling hub for business professionals and tourists alike. This luxury complex brings together cutting-edge regenerative medicine, ancient traditional healing practices, and traditional Japanese food culture—three essential pillars for achieving a healthy and fulfilling 100-year life, both physically and mentally.

GARDE’s senior designer, Onodera, played a key role in the project, overseeing the matching and coordination to create this harmonious and innovative space.

Holistic Programs for Mind and Body

Ayurveda, the traditional health practice originating in India, has earned global acclaim for its effectiveness in stress reduction and addressing chronic health concerns. Today, it has become a cornerstone not only in medicine but also in spas, wellness programs, beauty, and anti-aging industries.

At THE HUNDRED Wellness Salon, a qualified Nepalese Ayurvedic physician provides personalized treatment programs designed to suit each individual’s constitution and physical condition. These customized treatments utilize herbal oils and other traditional Ayurvedic techniques, offering a deeply holistic wellness experience.

A Healing Space Where Art and Design Come to Life

The defining feature of this facility is its spatial design, which emphasizes natural light and the warmth of wood-grain materials. Complementing the interior design, artworks crafted from natural materials, such as stones and reclaimed timber from Amami Oshima, are thoughtfully placed throughout each floor. These elements create a visually soothing and relaxing atmosphere, fostering a deep sense of comfort.

Art is also a core element in many of the office and commercial spaces designed by GARDE, where it plays an indispensable role in enhancing spatial design. Moreover, GARDE actively supports young artists, providing them with opportunities to exhibit and showcase their work in the GARDE Gallery, located at the entrance of our offices.

Where Art, Design, and Wellness Meet

THE HUNDRED Longevity House is a sanctuary where you can reset both mind and body amidst the demands of daily life. We invite you to experience this extraordinary space, where art, design, and cutting-edge wellness programs seamlessly blend to promote holistic healing and rejuvenation.

Designer Profile

Yoshikuni Onodera
Senior Designer, Planning & Development Division

Yoshikuni Onodera specializes in shared space environment design, as well as exterior and facade design for shopping centers, residences, and department stores. His career began with projects primarily in Shanghai, eventually expanding his expertise across the broader Chinese market.

In 2016, he played a pivotal role in environmental design for notable projects, including the Food Paradise food court in Shanghai, the restaurant floors in Joy City shopping centers, and the Garden Park at Sunshine Paradise Fuzhou shopping center.

Returning to Tokyo in 2017, Onodera has since broadened his scope to working on design projects across a wider range of fields and continuing to deliver innovative and impactful spaces.

Facility Overview

Name: THE HUNDRED (Longevity House)
Location: Ginza Matsuya-dori Yasuda Building 5~9F, 4-4-2 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
THE HUNDRED official website: https://thehundred.jp/

GARDE Design Magazine offers a curated collection of project portfolios, insights into the latest architecture, design, and art trends, as well as event updates.
Discover our project portfolio and stay up-to-date with the latest developments at GARDE by visiting our official website today.
>Click here to visit our project portfolio.
>Click here for the latest information on GARDE

The 9th JAPAN BUILD TOKYO – Advanced Architectural Technology Expo Toward a Sustainable Society: Showcasing the Latest Trends in Architectural Technology

Trend

From December 11 to 13, 2024, the “9th JAPAN BUILD TOKYO – Advanced Architectural Technology Expo” was held at Tokyo Big Sight. This exhibition, divided into eight zones—“High-Performance Building Materials & Housing Equipment Expo,” “Real Estate Tech Expo,” “Smart House Expo,” “Smart Building Expo,” “Building Renovation Expo,” “Construction DX Expo,” “Commercial Facility & Store DX Expo,” and “Building Decarbonization Expo”—is one of Japan’s largest specialized trade shows showcasing the latest technologies and products in the architecture, construction, and real estate industries.

The Fusion of GX Solutions and Architecture to Support Decarbonization

“Green Transformation” (GX), a key theme for the construction industry aiming to transition to a decarbonized society, was prominently featured. Numerous products focusing on improving energy efficiency, such as solar power systems, energy storage batteries, and energy-efficient air conditioning systems, were on display. Companies showcased their unique technologies and examples, including solar panels designed to resemble roof tiles, emphasizing not only functionality but also the importance of design in the architectural market.

40 Seminars Covering the Industry’s Cutting Edge

During the exhibition, 40 seminars were held, featuring key players at the forefront of the construction industry, researchers, policymakers, companies, and specialists. These seminars covered a broad range of topics, from explanations of the latest industry trends and regulatory changes to promising technological solutions and practical case studies.

Highlighted sessions included a presentation by Shugo Yadomoto, Deputy Director-General of the Housing Bureau at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, titled “Current Considerations on the Calculation and Evaluation of Lifecycle CO2 in Buildings”, tailored to the construction industry. Another notable lecture, aimed at the real estate sector, was by Takeshi Natsuhara, the creator behind the original concept of the drama “Shoujiki Fudousan” (Honest Real Estate), titled “The Future of Real Estate Companies: Insights from the Creator of ‘Shoujiki Fudousan’”. These seminars provided participants with valuable insights into the latest industry developments, their implications for businesses, and the envisioned future for the construction and real estate industries in achieving a decarbonized society.

Looking Ahead with Optimism

The 9th JAPAN BUILD TOKYO provided a cutting-edge platform for exploring solutions to the challenges faced by the construction, architecture, and real estate industries. It showcased the latest technologies and ideas for shaping the industry’s future.

At GARDE, we are committed to incorporating future-oriented initiatives into our spatial design projects, tailored to the needs of our clients. By maintaining design quality while creating sustainable spaces, we aim to continue delivering exceptional design solutions.

Event Details

Event: The 9th JAPAN BUILD TOKYO – Advanced Architectural Technology Expo
Date: December 11 (Wed)–13 (Fri), 2024, 10:00–18:00 (closes at 17:00 on the final day)
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight
Organizer: RX Japan Co., Ltd. – JAPAN BUILD Exhibition Office
URL: https://www.japan-build.jp/hub/ja-jp.html