21_21 DESIGN SIGHT Gallery 1 & 2 in Roppongi, Tokyo, will be hosting the special exhibition "Insects −Models of Design−" from July 19th to November 4th. Designers, architects, structural engineers, and artists will exhibit a variety of insect-inspired works.

"Insects −Models of Design−" attempts to turn insects, which become increasingly mysterious the more we learn about them, into "models of design." Graphic designer Taku Satoh will serve as exhibition director, and anatomist Takeshi Yoro, known for his love of insects, will be the exhibition's planning supervisor.

Insects reflect nature. Despite being so close to us, in fact, very little is known about their ecology. The colors, textures, structures, and habits of insects reveal a world of unknowns far beyond our imagination. The diverse forms of insects, which have evolved over a history far longer than that of humans, offer a wealth of creative possibilities.

New work by Kengo Kuma & Associates + Norihiro Ejiri
The skeletons that support their tiny bodies can be applied to artificial objects, the mechanism that skillfully retracts wings can be applied to robots, and the nest structures built by insect larvae can be applied to architecture. Designers, architects, structural engineers, and artists will exhibit a variety of insect-inspired works at the venue.

Related events include an opening talk by Takeshi Yoro and Taku Satoh entitled "Insects are Models for Design" from 2pm on July 21st, and a talk by Kengo Kuma, Taku Satoh and others entitled "Architects' Nests" from 2pm on August 25th. For details, please visit the official 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT website (http://www.2121designsight.jp/).

This exhibition allows creators and visitors alike to learn a new side to design from insects through their diversity and their relationship with humans.