kengo kuma's 'japan unlayered' exhibition in vancouver

from now until february 28, 2017, vancouver hosts an exhibition curated by kengo kuma that celebrates contemporary japanese architecture and design. titled ‘japan unlayered’, the show has been conceived as a sensory experience that conveys culture through touch, taste, sight, sound, and smell. the exhibition places a particular focus on kengo kuma’s ‘alberni’ project, his first residential tower in north america.

the exhibition is presented at the fairmont pacific rim hotel
image by ema peter (also main image)

held at the fairmont pacific rim, ‘japan unlayered’ explores the collaboration between KKAA, westbank, and their partner peterson group, presenting japanese craftsmanship alongside contemporary design. displayed over two levels of the hotel, the presentation pays tribute to the japanese philosophy of layering, where overlapping elements define an overall experience. a kengo kuma retrospective takes a closer look at the japanese architect’s work, from humble beginnings to large-scale projects around the globe.

inside the hotel’s front door, the traditional japanese teahouse has been given contemporary twist
image by ema peter

inside the hotel’s front door, the traditional japanese teahouse has been given contemporary twist with a 130 square meter fabric roof suspended from a translucent helium balloon. in addition, a pop-up MUJI pavilion, designed by kuma himself, sells the brand’s signature products. a further pop-up shop showcases the lifestyle products of BEAMS, another japanese firm.

a 130 square meter fabric roof is suspended from a translucent helium balloon
image by ema peter

‘design in japan is deeply rooted in tradition, drawing on centuries of rich history yet constantly growing, consuming many influences while producing cultural outcomes that remain uniquely japanese,’ says ian gillespie, president of westbank. ‘we hope this cultural richness and exchange of thinking with japan will help vancouver absorb the best of the world and at the same time develop its own unique aesthetic. as a very young city, and one of the most multicultural cities in the world, there’s huge potential to cross pollinate ideas.’

a kengo kuma retrospective takes a closer look at the japanese architect’s work
image by ema peter

‘japan unlayered’ also offers the culinary dishes of hiromitsu nozaki, head chef of two michelin star restaurant waketokuyama in tokyo. the exhibition also comprises speaking events, fashion displays, and music in the hotel’s lobby lounge, all with a contemporary japanese influence. ‘fairmont pacific rim has become recognized as a destination for art, architecture and design,’ said frederic bellone, hotel manager at fairmont pacific rim. ‘we are proud to be part of japan unlayered and to have our team involved in a rich cultural exchange that our guests can experience.’

the exhibition places a particular focus on kuma’s ‘alberni’ tower in vancouver
image by ema peter