(Exhibition poster)
An exhibition on the architectural legacy of legendary Spanish architect, Antoni Gaudi (1852-1926), is being held at the TERRADA warehouse, in Tennozu Isle, Tokyo. Titled NAKED x Gaudi, it is a collaboration between the Gaudi Foundation of Art, Design & Architecture of Barcelona, Spain, and NAKED Inc, a Japanese creative company best known for immersive projection.
Antoni Gaudi is most famous for the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona - a massive basilica that has been under construction since 1882. Despite its non-completion, the basilica is a huge tourist draw. Some have even suggested that, in having been famously under construction for so long, its completion would be somewhat disappointing.
However, the "bucket list" appeal of Sagrada Familia has become a double-edged sword, suggests foundation Director, Alex Canals Grau, to JAPAN Forward. Visitors arrive in droves, but "don't get to know Gaudi, to truly understand Gaudi, and that's what the Gaudi Foundation is trying to change."
The foundation has established programs and workshops within Barcelona that visitors can participate in before experiencing Gaudi's architectural accomplishments. It also runs an online program. With the curation of the present exhibition, the foundation aims to take its message outside of Spain and to the world. Japan was chosen as the initial destination.
The choice of Japan was a relatively simple one, assures the foundation's Founder and Honorary President, Carlos Canals Roura. "Shared values and an appreciation of Gaudi made the decision easy."
The Challenge of Exhibiting Architecture
Architecture is challenging to exhibit, as drawings and models have limitations as objects of interest. Through the collaboration with NAKED Inc and its cutting-edge technology, however, the landmark buildings of Gaudi have been brought to life.
The exhibition also includes a series of hands-on exhibits in which visitors can put Gaudi's design principles into practice. It can be equally enjoyed and appreciated by children and scholars alike.
An identifiable philosophy is a further reason why Antoni Gaudi can be effectively exhibited. One of the many inspiring quotes to which Gaudi is credited is that "originality consists of returning to the origin." For Gaudi, the origin was the natural laws that give life its shape and form – the laws of nature. Much of Gaudi's childhood was spent in a village farmhouse where he was deeply influenced by the countryside that surrounded him. Forms that resemble wheat, mushrooms, and garlic, among others, can be found within his architectural designs.
A further characteristic of the architecture of Antoni Gaudi is curvature. A particularly interesting group of hands-on exhibits demonstrates how these curved forms can be better characterized as a series of straight lines rearranged.
Many of the designs that Gaudi produced required technological breakthroughs. True to his principles, Gaudi found the answers through solutions of geometric simplicity. The Hyperboloid, Conoid principle, and Hyperbolic Paraboid are geometric forms employed by Gaudi, that visitors are invited to examine and explore.
An Architectural Masterpiece
Other features of the exhibition include Gaudi's notebooks, original tiles from his completed buildings, and details about some of his unrealized projects. No exhibition on the architecture of Gaudi, however, would be complete without a substantial focus on the Sagrada Familia, and NAKED x Gaudi does not disappoint.
Gaudi became the basilica's lead architect in 1883, a year after construction was initiated. He radically changed the Neo-Gothic design to the one that exists today. Unfortunately, in 1926, Gaudi met his death. He was hit by a streetcar while on his way to church at the age of 73. However, construction was never going to be completed within his lifetime – a reality of which he was acutely aware. "My client is not in a hurry," he dryly commented on the issue of a construction schedule that ensured that none of his contemporaries would see the project completed.
A Philosophy From the Past for a Future World
The mission of the Gaudi Foundation goes way beyond architecture. Its initial project was the Gaudi World Congress of 2014, which brought together experts to discuss how the future could be shaped through Gaudi's philosophy.
"That evolved into a couple of projects", stated foundation director, Alex Canals Grau. "We developed a 'Gaudi methodology' and began instructional programs for people to understand how Gaudi designed so that they can apply it in their work. We feel that we can design a better future if we follow the philosophy of going back to the origins."
The foundation also runs design certification programs for companies that want to design products inspired by Gaudi. However, it's just not about putting trencadis (a unique mosaic technique characteristic of Gaudi) on something, and saying "that's Gaudi," cautions Canals Grau. It starts with a connection to nature and the culture of the region where the product is being developed. "Our experts conclude that people love Gaudi, because he was inspired by nature and the culture of the regions in which he was working," Canals Grau concludes.
Indefinite Timelines Continue
The construction timetable of Sagrada Familia has ensured that its workforce is family. Many have worked on the project for decades. Sons have trained under fathers, who have then, in turn, trained their own children. Many labored their full career without ever expecting to see the building completed.
The foundation takes a similar approach to its timeline. "By 2126," the bicentenary of Gaudi's death, it envisions "a more natural, connected, and grounded world for all." Inspired by the Sagrada Familia artisans, it aspires "to nurture a community of future creators" who will bring this reality about.
Japan should be proud that the international leg of this journey has commenced upon its shores.
For Additional Information:
Where: TERRADA warehouse, Tennozu Isle, Tokyo
On until: March 15 in Tokyo before moving to Osaka from April 1 to June 28.
General Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 10:00-18:00, Fridays 10:00-19:00, Saturday, Sunday 09:00-19:00
Admission fee: Weekday tickets from ￥2,700 yen for adults, ￥1,900 yen for students. Note that Weekend prices rise: ￥2,900 yen for adults, ￥2,100 yen for students. *Please check the official website for discount ticket availability.
Access: A 4-5 minutes walk from Tennozu Isle Stations on the Rinkai Line or the Tokyo Monorail Haneda line. Map
For Additional Information: Also check the Official Tokyo Exhibition website: Warehouse of Art, WHAT
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Author: Paul de Vries
