glow ⇄ grow

What we create at TAKT PROJECT rarely originates from a particular genre. A diverse group of members brings together their expertise and knowledge to explore what is needed for a target project. I believe that technology is colorless and transparent. Design can transform it into any shade of color. In engineering, it is often the case that existing technology is refined to achieve a particular predetermined goal. In short, it is about exploring the possibilities in which artificial components can be given shape. The installation "glow ⇄ grow," presented at the Salone del Mobile in Milan in 2019, consisted of 800 LEDs mounted on a frame suspended from above using ARAKAWA GRIP (BS-60). And the liquid photopolymer (light-activated resin) gradually solidified by exposure to the LED light transmitted using programming. After deliberation on utilizing technology, we attempted to express a new concept of "growing artificial material" through design in this exhibit. Most synthetic forms are designed to resist the influence of nature, and reproducibility and mass production are often prioritized. Therefore, in many cases, plastic products are molded and used according to the form designed by people and discarded after a short cycle. On the other hand, the material exhibited was created in response to the nature and conditions of the location, revealing its alternative quality. The exhibit also has the effect of reminding us that we are surrounded by things that are designed for a single purpose using a restrictive approach. These exhibitions serve as a research project, and the findings lead to a series of projects for a broad range of clients. text by Masaaki Takahashi