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On December 19, 2024, GARDE hosted an informational session for local governments regarding the Regional Revitalization Metaverse Award. The event was attended by municipalities from across Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa.

During the session, Misawa from GARDE, the project manager, emphasized that the Metaverse is more than just a virtual space—it serves as a powerful tool for showcasing regional attractions and contributing to economic and cultural development. Furthermore, the importance of collaboration between local governments and creators was highlighted, stressing that innovative ideas can help solve regional challenges and drive sustainable growth.

Examples of Other Companies Utilizing the Metaverse

In recent years, promotional activities leveraging the Metaverse by local governments have been gaining attention. This trend is driven by advancements in digital technology, restrictions on offline events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and an increasing number of municipalities focusing on supporting regional migration by targeting the younger demographic, who are the primary users of the Metaverse.

Below are some examples of projects that have been implemented to promote regional revitalization through the Metaverse.

[Fujieda City, Shizuoka Prefecture] Metaverse Business Matching Fair

Fujieda City hosted a Metaverse-based experiential business matching fair. Participants could visit virtual corporate booths within the Metaverse space and engage in real-time voice conversations with avatars acting as company representatives. Unlike traditional face-to-face business matching events, this initiative provided an immersive and realistic atmosphere, enabling a new form of business networking.

[Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture] Promoting Furusato Tax Donations in a Virtual Space

Hagi City, in collaboration with SPECTRUM, launched the “Hagi City x SPECTRUM Metaverse Furusato Tax Donation Campaign.” Visitors could experience furusato tax donations in a Metaverse environment, where they were welcomed by Hagi City’s official mascot, “Haginyan.” The virtual space featured 360 return gift items, allowing users to explore various booths in a friendly and engaging setting. Digital posters placed throughout the venue enabled visitors to access the donation website directly and make contributions on the spot.

[Akita Prefecture] Metaverse Expo to Promote Regional Migration

Akita Prefecture launched the “Akita Migration & Exchange Metaverse Expo” to promote relocation to the region. The Metaverse exhibition was divided into six distinct regional areas, each visually showcasing its unique characteristics in a 3D environment. Visitors could explore the virtual space using avatars inspired by local symbols, such as “Ndacchi” and Akita Inu dogs. This interactive setup allowed visitors to gain insights into regional features while enjoying various immersive experiences.

Regional Revitalization Metaverse Award Details

Call for Entry

This award invites a wide range of ideas that utilize the Metaverse for regional revitalization, including:

• Tourism Promotion
• Sports Activation
• Local Product Sales
• Encouraging Regional Settlement
• VR Job Training
• Other innovative ideas contributing to regional revitalization 

Application Guidelines 

• Theme: Ideas that achieve “regional revitalization through the use of Metaverse technology.”
• Application Period: November 1, 2024 – April 30, 2025
• Eligibility:
  • Applicants can be individuals or groups.
  • As of November 1, 2024, applicants must be high school students or older residing in Japan.
  • If applying as a group, all members must meet the eligibility requirements and provide consent for participation.
• Number of Entries:
  • Each participant (or group) can submit one entry specifying a local government or one general entry without specifying a municipality.
  • If applying as a group, each group is limited to one entry.
• Application Conditions:
  • Applicants must agree to and comply with the Regional Revitalization Metaverse Award application guidelines.

Prize Details 

• Grand Prize (1 Winner): 3 million JPY
• Excellence Award (1 Winner): 1 million JPY
• Local Government Award (4 Winners): 250,000 JPY each

※ The judging process will be conducted internally at GARDE and will remain confidential.
※ Details regarding the award ceremony will be announced at a later date.

GARDE, leveraging its global network and extensive expertise in design, aims to create new value for local communities. By fostering creative Metaverse-based ideas, we strive to contribute to regional revitalization and problem-solving. We remain committed to supporting initiatives that shape a more vibrant and sustainable future.

Official Website:
https://garde-metaverse-award.com/

GARDE Design Magazine provides project portfolio, trends in architecture, design, and art, and event information.
The project portfolio and the latest information on GARDE are now available on our official website.
>Click here to visit our project portfolio.
>Click here for the latest information on GARDE

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.

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

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

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.

GARDE Design Magazine provides project portfolio, trends in architecture, design, and art, and event information.
The project portfolio and the latest information on GARDE are now available on our official website.
>Click here to visit our project portfolio.
>Click here for the latest information on GARDE