The autumn design event "Tokyo Midtown DESIGN TOUCH 2014" kicked off on October 17th at Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi, Tokyo, and will run until November 3rd.
The event is based on the concept of "enjoying design with all five senses," and various designs, art, and collaborative projects are being developed throughout Tokyo Midtown. This year's theme is "The Design Switch." A variety of content will be implemented to stimulate the "design switch" that can be used to enhance everyday life simply by adding it to everyday objects and experiences.
The main venue, the lawn square "Swari Forest," features a row of unusual chairs born from the fusion of science and design. The venue was directed by creative director Haruka Furuya, based on the scientific perspective of Galileo Atelier, a creative group whose motto is "Bringing the joy of science to everyone." The "Heart Balance! Chair," designed by Furuya himself and featuring an eye-catching bright red heart motif, is a chair created with a focus on gravity. Sitting comfortably requires exquisite balance, intended to deepen communication between two people. The "Japanese Archipelago Bench," designed by artist Yasuhiro Suzuki, allows you to see the actual direction and inclination of the Japanese archipelago by sitting on it. Experience the movement of the sun and its gentle arc from Hokkaido to Kyushu. Other unique chairs include a "sit-to-warm chair" and a "chair that lifts your body." Furuya, who visited the venue on the 17th, said, "I wanted to flip the design switch on people who don't usually have much opportunity to experience design, so I focused on the everyday act of sitting. I want people to sit down without any preconceptions and experience the surprises and joys they'll discover for the first time." The "Forest School," located adjacent to Suwari Forest, will host "Open-Air Classrooms" on Saturdays and Sundays during the event, featuring various creators as instructors. These intensive 90-minute classes include Hara Kenya's lecture on "How to Flip the Switch" and designer Yamagata Ryota's lecture on "Expressive Clothes, Wearable Clothes." Each session is limited to a certain number of participants, and all are free (some require a participation fee). Reservations are currently being accepted through the online magazine "Roppongi Future Conference." Additionally, the "Forest School Library" will be open daily from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM (cancelled in case of rain). Anyone can enjoy a leisurely read on the lawn, choosing a book that will "flip your design switch" from a total of 50 creators. Additionally, from the 17th to the 26th, "Salon in Roppongi" will be held in the atrium space within Tokyo Midtown, focusing on Japanese designers active at the Milano Salone. This year, the venue will showcase the "SPARKLE LOUNGE," featuring designer Tokujin Yoshioka's new "SPARKLE" design, providing a relaxing space where anyone can freely experience Yoshioka's work.

Other exciting content will be lined up to stimulate creativity, including an exhibition space for award-winning works from the "Tokyo Midtown Award 2014," and "MAKE HOUSE - New Prototypes of Wooden Houses" by eight architects. Why not enjoy the autumn art season at Midtown with an event guide available at the venue?


[Event Information]
Tokyo Midtown DESIGN TOUCH 2014
Location: Tokyo Midtown
Address: 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Dates: October 17th to November 3rd