Blurring Architecture presents work by revolutionary Japanese architect Toyo Ito who since the mid-1970s has become one of the world’s most innovative and influential architects.
Ito is known for creating extreme concept buildings, in which he seeks to fuse the physical and virtual worlds. For Ito, the human body now exists on two levels: our primitive, physical body seeks the beautiful light and fresh breeze found in nature, while our new virtual body responds to the electronic environment seeking information. It is through these dual bodies that we connect to architecture and the city.
Curator Andrew Barrie, a New Zealand designer and architect who is currently a scholar at the University of Tokyo, has selected Toyo Ito’s latest project the Sendai Mediatheque, Japan, as a vehicle for presenting Ito’s architectural genius. Completed in 2001, this building presents a radically new type of structure made up of just three types of elements – floor plates, structural ‘tubes’ and a skin. This has resulted in an open, free-flowing space and airy,filigreed structure – an architecture suited to our electronic, image-oriented culture.
Using new technology to create and present the work, this exhibition offers an exciting opportunity for the New Zealand public to become immersed in the vision of Toyo Ito, as gallery audiences have done in similar exhibitions staged in the UK, America and throughout Europe. Alongside models and plans, animated computer graphics and huge video-installations covering the gallery walls will offer a fascinating insight into Ito’s work on two levels: both the physical construction site and the architect’s creativity at his computer screen.
Mr Ito will open the exhibition in Auckland. A lecture tour has been organised by the New Zealand Institute of Architects and Mr Ito will deliver a public lecture in both Auckland (8 August, Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna) and Wellington (9 August, Park Royal).
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