.png)
Let’s talk about architecture, cultural diversity and uniqueness with PAN- PROJECTS, the architectural design studio led by the Japanese Yuriko Yagi (MArch, Arkitekt MAA) and Kazumasa Takada (MArch.MA. RIBA/ARB). Founded in 2017 in Denmark, PAN- PROJECTS moved to London in 2019 to expand its international reach. The studio states “the duo conceives architecture holistically, carefully combining elements they believe should be viewed as works of art in their own right. This is achieved through genuine collaboration with multidisciplinary makers and clients from various backgrounds, recognising the distinct value they bring to each project.” (cover, Teahouse Ø, ph. Anika Kondo)
An example of the studio’s approach, is the Paper Pavilion, a project that experiments with a new sustainable method using recycled paper waste. Created for the Copenhagen Art Fair (CHART) – and later redesigned and permanently relocated to the Kunsthal Charlottenborg Museum where it serves as a reception and library – the pavilion was designed to last 3 days, the duration of the event. The shape of the pavilion is inspired by the bagworm, a species of moth that constructs its nest by collecting materials from its surroundings. Similarly, the Paper Pavilion dresses itself in paper collected from the city. Its structure was conceived as temporary yet relocatable, allowing it to adopt the colors of its environment over time.
In 2019 PAN- PROJECTS explored the theme of water with Floating Pavilion Ø, a collection of three pavilions (with a cultural, commercial and social focus) proposing urban water areas as a new public space. The project aims to raise awareness of water's significance and promote a more sustainable lifestyle for the future.
Among the three pavilions, the cultural space Teahouse Ø, was designed to reflect the beauty of its surroundings. This experimental floating structure features a roof supported by six transparent acrylic walls and is decorated with transparent acrylic tubes that interact with light and water reflections. It hosts yoga classes, meditation sessions, tea ceremonies, and even socially distanced music festivals, where DJs perform inside while audiences enjoy from nearby boats.
Designed in 2020, amidst the pandemic, the Playhouse is a complete renovation project of a three-story building located in the lively Aoyama fashion district in Tokyo, Japan. PAN- PROJECTS, recognizing the rapid shift toward digital retail platforms during that period, questioned the use of a physical stores and reimagined their model. Drawing inspiration from theater, the studio designed an interactive space, not just for displaying and selling products but for learning, discovery, and immersive cultural experiences tied to the brands. The team also designed adaptable architectural elements to accommodate a wide range of events throughout the building. The London-based architectural design studio PAN- PROJECTS completed the Playhouse in collaboration with the Tokyo-based studio Haruki Oku Design. The silver curtain at the entrance was created in collaboration with Studio Onder de Linde.
At the National Art Center in Tokyo in 2021, the studio created an installation themed around the pandemic. The Matter of Facts is a work composed of an accumulation of printed material from the time COVID-19 first began impacting society and beyond. These materials reflect events that occurred or did not occurr as part of broader trends. The project was commissioned by the National Art Center, Tokyo, and realized thanks to the generous support of the Nomura Foundation and the collaboration of Robert Walters Japan.
Featured in the Materials Design Map, mum, is a product design project addressing the problem of industrial plastic pollution in the oceans by recycling discarded fishing gear and industry by-products. Commissioned by REMARE, a sustainable start-up in Japan, “mum” collaborates closely with the local fishing community to repurpose abandoned nets and buoys, giving them new value.
The result is “mum”, a dining table in recycled plastic from the sea. The material wavy texture gives each piece a unique character, as its natural variations make every product slightly different. “mum” aims to raise awareness within the industry, while highlighting the preciousness of ocean plastics.
To learn more about PAN-PROJECTS and their work, visit their website!
Comments