Maison&Objet 365, Paris & Tokyo, 2020

365 – A Day in Japan was an exhibition showcasing everyday objects embodying Japanese wisdom, craftsmanship, and aesthetics. After its presentation at Maison&Objet in Paris, it traveled to the IFS Future Design Institute in Tokyo just two weeks later. In a literal sense, the architecture itself embarked on a journey: installation, dismantling, transportation, and reinstallation. What made this journey possible was a traditional Japanese technique used in folding screens: the fabric hinge. Capable of rotating 360 degrees while adding almost no thickness between components, it allowed the entire structure to collapse into a compact form. The exhibition abstracted the stereotype silhouette of a Japanese house using lightweight timber frames and fabric surfaces. The house form consisted of four frames connected by fabric hinges. When anchored to the floor, the frames stood upright; when released, the structure folded effortlessly and could be packed within moments. To reduce weight, the enclosing surfaces were also made of fabric. Backlit from within, they emitted a soft, floating glow throughout the space. Reminiscent of traditional paper screens, the atmosphere combined Japanese warmth with contemporary sharpness. The project demonstrates how a simple traditional technique can enable architecture to travel while maintaining a consistent spatial identity.

Photo : Ikuo Yamashita