FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Porous Manifold: A Unique Interpretation of Japanese Tearoom

Ryumei Fujiki and Yukiko Sato, in collaboration with F.A.D.S + Fujiki Studio and KOU::ARC, presented "Porous Manifold" at the Echigo-tsumari Art Triennale 2018 from July 29th to September 17th in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. The temporary Japanese tearoom is a nested structure with two-tatami space embedded in a ten-foot square, offering a new perspective on traditional architecture.

The design, inspired by "Hojoki," aimed to overcome the concept of homogeneous space dominant in the 20th century. The structure features a distorted homogeneous space, creating irregularities through a random pattern of the skeleton and proposing an art-tecture with open and closeable holes, resembling living organisms.

Constructed using a hybrid of spruce CLT panels and plastic materials processed with digital fabrication technology, "Porous Manifold" showcases the designers' commitment to creating a responsive, living-like architecture. As visitors enter the tearoom, the structure begins to breathe through numerous holes called Breathing Pleats, which open and close in response to human movement, offering an interactive and immersive experience.

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