admin, Author at Garde Design Magazine

Eight Years of Jury Experience on the Future: GARDE Italy President Yukio Ishiyama and the ‘Neo Laureati Award 2024’

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

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

Art Gallery Project: Eri Uemura Solo Exhibition “Picking up My Bones”

Event

The exhibition by artist Eri Uemura, who explores themes of wildness, the body, and the dimensions of time and space to convey emotions and impulses that fluctuate within these boundaries, will be held from Friday, January 24 to Friday, February 7, 2025, at GARDE Gallery in Omotesando, Tokyo.

During the exhibition, artworks will be available for purchase on-site. We warmly invite you to stop by and experience her compelling creations firsthand.

Uemura’s “Picking up My Bones” series, ongoing since 2016, skillfully portrays the fundamental wildness and desires emerging from the raw essence of our bodies as “living beings.” The figure depicted selecting what is needed from scattered remains after decay evokes both the fragility of the living body and a readiness for what lies beyond.

The series also delves into the tension between the “wildness” innate in all living beings and the “education” that defines how humans ought to behave—shaped by shifting times and cultures. This conflict sometimes drives an urge to escape into an unrealistic realm, such as the unconscious or the surreal. Uemura crafts an imaginative story world where impulses are laid bare amidst fantastical landscapes.

Eri Uemura 〈 Picking up My Bones (It’s better to burn out than to fade away) 〉 2017, 2020

The contrast between the young, innocent girl and the skeleton evokes medieval European aphorisms such as “Memento Mori” (Remember Death) and “Carpe Diem” (Seize the Day). Throughout art history, countless attempts have been made to depict life and death, and this endeavor remains profoundly relevant in the modern era. Uemura’s work captures and expresses the shifting collective psyche while offering a deeply personal interpretation of mortality.

In modern society, advancements in science and medicine have led to a cultural aversion to death, often relegating it to the margins of public consciousness. However, by boldly bringing it into focus, Uemura compels us to confront the light of life with greater intensity. This vivid juxtaposition encourages us, as contemporary individuals, to reflect on the paradox of “picking up one’s own bones.”

The interplay between the vibrantly rendered girl and the stark skeleton creates a distinctive aesthetic, weaving a rich tapestry that speaks to the transience of life and the essence of human existence. Through this contrast, Uemura’s work invites us to ponder the fragility and beauty of living.

Eri Uemura 〈I Came Back Because You Have Created Me〉 2019

The materiality of this exhibition is also a highlight. The wide range of materials, such as Japanese paper, pressed flowers, fire, wool, ink, and mineral pigments, give a stronger sense of analog physicality and give viewers a fresh impression with their reality. In addition to drawings from the early part of the series, the exhibition will feature his latest paintings as well as three-dimensional ceramic works, which he began working on in 2024, for the first time.

In an age where advances in science and medicine marginalize death, Uemura’s works vividly bring it to the forefront, compelling us to reflect on the inherent contradictions of modern life. The colorful interplay between the girl and the skeleton creates a unique aesthetic that highlights the ephemerality of life and the essence of human existence.

ERI UEMURA

Biography
1986 Born in Hiroshima Prefecture
2010 Graduated from Onomichi City University, Faculty of Arts and Culture, Oil Painting
2010-11 Moved to the UK and stayed in London
2014 Completed Master’s course in Oil Painting at Tokyo University of the Arts, Graduate School of Fine Arts

Major Exhibitions
2012

Group Exhibition “University Painting”, Akibatamabi 21, 3331gallery, Tokyo
Group Exhibition “Eri Uemura, Megumi Utsunomiya, Makiko Masutani’s Atelier”, Tokyo University of the Arts, University Hall, Tokyo

2013

Solo Exhibition “Life Drawing”, Ouchi Gallery, NY

2014

Participated in “Art Award Tokyo Marunouchi 2014”, Gyokochika Gallery, Tokyo
Solo Exhibition “Kiss”, JIKKA, Tokyo
Group Exhibition “Mitsukoshi x Tokyo University of the Arts Summer Art Festival 2014: Young Artists’ Exhibition: Leading the Next Generation”, Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi Main Store, Tokyo
“Shibukal Festival 2014”, Parco Museum, Shibuya PARCO, Tokyo
“TOKYO DESIGNERS WEEK ・ SHOP ART WALK”, Pretty Ballerinas AOYAMA, Tokyo

2015

Solo Exhibition “ERI UEMURA”, eatable, Tokyo
Group Exhibition “In Focus 6: Current Status of Graduates”, MOU Onomichi City University Museum of Art, Hiroshima

2018

Participation in zine fair, Wetland venue, Taipei

2023

Group Exhibition “ART KAMIYAMA”, Aso Residence, Tokyo

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/eri_uemura

Eri Uemura Solo Exhibition “Picking up My Bones”

Dates：January 24 (Fri.) – February 7 (Fri.), 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

Nanchang JOY CITY: Designer Yu Ohata Discusses the Laputa Design Concept

Project

Nanchang is a city undergoing rapid transformation fueled by economic growth. While innovative infrastructure and commercial facilities are being developed, the city remains dedicated to preserving its traditional culture and arts, making it a prime location for evolving into a more prosperous urban hub.

GARDE embraced the challenge of designing a space that symbolizes Nanchang’s promising future by overseeing the interior design and coordination of the entire “Nanchang JOY CITY” building—a new commercial facility slated for completion in May 2025.

The Nanchang JOY CITY project was led by Chief Designer Yu Ohata, who has an extensive portfolio of commercial facilities both within China and internationally. Having previously designed Suzhou JOY BREEZE, this marks his second comprehensive interior design project for a JOY CITY complex.

The Overall Project Concept: Space Design Connecting Nanchang with ‘Clouds’ and ‘Hope’

We had the opportunity to speak with Ohata about his design vision and the challenges he faced in bringing Nanchang JOY CITY to life.

The overarching concept of the project is “Spatial Design Connecting Nanchang with ‘Clouds’ and ‘Hope’.” Chief Designer Yu Ohata explains: “Nanchang JOY CITY is a commercial facility that delves deeply into the unique characteristics of the Nanchang area, aiming to maximize its appeal and share it with a wide audience. Nanchang is an inland city in China, currently in a developmental phase. It boasts a rich history and is renowned as a national scenic spot, notably for the Tengwang Pavilion, one of the three great towers of Jiangnan. The design concept draws inspiration from the phrase ‘Qingyun no Kokorozashi’ (‘志在青雲’) in the preface to ‘Tengwang Pavilion’ by Wang Bo, a prominent poet of the Tang Dynasty. This phrase embodies the spirit of ‘possessing virtue, maintaining high aspirations, and enriching society and the world,’ which forms the core narrative of the project.

The project’s theme is ‘Laputa.’ We developed a grand spatial design symbolized by clouds, aiming to create an ‘ideal place’ where people can gather, relax, and enjoy. For instance, we hope that visitors who initially come to Nanchang JOY CITY as a community space will find it becoming their favorite place over time, and eventually a place they wish to visit with loved ones. Additionally, we meticulously planned the flow lines within the expansive mall, conducting numerous simulations and analyses to ensure a comfortable environment for visitors.

It’s crucial for malls to attract interest in stores on different floors and across corridors.
Therefore, we paid special attention to eliminating blind spots, ensuring that stores are visible from various vantage points. This project aimed to become a new symbol of revitalization in the region, especially during the challenging economic conditions in China following the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.　We anticipate that Nanchang JOY CITY will become a beloved landmark, bringing new vitality to the area.”

Design Concept: Crafting an Enchanting Space with the Theme of “Clouds”

Chief Designer Yu Ohata elaborates on the distinctive designs symbolizing the project’s theme, “Laputa”:
“We assigned clear characteristics to each atrium and entrance, ensuring each holds a unique identity. In expansive malls, such design variations assist visitors in orienting themselves. Moreover, the consistent incorporation of cloud motifs throughout the facility, characterized by soft forms and textures, creates a soothing environment where visitors can feel at ease simply by walking through.

JOY CITY is a shopping mall brand with a nationwide presence in China. Initially, the focus was heavily on design, often overlooking costs. In recent years, however, there has been a shift towards design standardization to achieve cost control, aiming to blend unified brand designs with distinctive features unique to each facility. This ‘design standardization’ has been applied in the latest facilities in Sanya, Xiamen, and Nanchang. Balancing ‘uniformity and uniqueness within a single concept’ presented challenges, but we embraced them.

We hope that the thoughtfully considered design of Nanchang JOY CITY resonates as a special experience for visitors, establishing it as a regional landmark. Additionally, we aspire for this facility to become a successful example of a JOY CITY mall, achieving both design integrity and cost efficiency.”

Message from Designer Yu Ohata: Creating Cherished Spaces

“Our design aspirations extend beyond mere architecture. We aim to create spaces that serve as sanctuaries for the local community, where visitors can refresh themselves away from daily routines. In the post-pandemic era, as people increasingly seek comfortable environments, Nanchang JOY CITY was designed to be a memorable presence that aligns with the community. We meticulously attended to every detail to ensure that time spent here brings relaxation and vitality.As designers, we bear the responsibility to continually evolve in response to changing times and regional characteristics. Through projects like JOY CITY, we are committed to creating spaces that enrich people’s lives.”

Lead Designer

Yu Ohata
Chief Designer, Design Division
After extensive involvement in the design and on-site supervision of large-scale commercial facilities in China, Yu Ohata joined the Hong Kong office and the Asia-Pacific Division. His portfolio includes environmental design for major Chinese commercial complexes like Joy City, Malaysia’s PARKSON department stores, and Yuehai Tiandi, the latest commercial facility brand of Tianhe City. He has contributed to projects ranging from conceptual design to design supervision. Since returning to the Tokyo headquarters in 2021, he continues to focus primarily on Chinese projects.

Facility Overview

Name: Nanchang JOY CITY
Location: Chaoyang New Town, Xihu District, Nanchang City; north of Yunjin Road, west of Fusheng Road, south of Jinhwan Road
Scheduled Completion: May 2025
Developer: Joy City Property (大悦城控股)