fuminori nousaku & mio tsuneyama explore urban ecology at TOTO GALLERY・MA

Fuminori Nousaku ＋Mio Tsuneyama’s exhibition at TOTO Gallery · Ma

TOTO GALLERY·MA is currently hosting the exhibition Fuminori Nousaku ＋Mio Tsuneyama: URBAN FUNGUS –Architecture is a Complex Mesh. The showcased works delve into the research conducted by the two Japanese architects on the connections between architecture, cities, and ecosystems, drawing from their experiences at academic institutions in Japan and abroad. designboom had the opportunity to visit the exhibition before its official opening on January 18th. During our preview, we explored the showcased projects and models and had the privilege of meeting the architecture duo, who guided us through their works. The focal point of their exploration is the project dubbed Holes in the House which sees the transformation of a conventional steel frame house into a unique and ecologically conscious living space and studio. The project is characterized by a series of deliberate interventions aimed at enhancing the building’s relationship with its surroundings. The architects have implemented ecological changes, such as drilling holes in slabs for improved light and heat circulation, manually breaking through concrete exteriors, and improving the soil. This space serves as a practical experimentation ground where lessons from previous projects are applied and refined.

all images ©designboom

Nurturing Urban Ecosystems through Architecture and Connection

Guided by the concept of Urban Wild Ecology, the architects incorporate traditional practices like stone masonry and wood framing and eco-friendly materials, such as straw and earthen walls, fostering a harmonious relationship between architecture and nature. In their perspective, cities are deemed ‘human-influenced habitats for diverse organisms.’ The exhibition at TOTO GALLERY·MA explores this idea, portraying cities as organisms that decompose and absorb nutrients, akin to fungi growing within the mesh of contemporary urban challenges. Architecture serves as the intersection where decay and regeneration meet, with the duo actively seeking to establish connections through a blend of wild and traditional knowledge. The exhibition showcases cross-sectional drawings and models, providing insights into their ongoing projects, including the renovations of the Holes in the House and the House on Classical Elements in Akiya. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the practical aspects of their work, observing the small steps and adjustments that contribute to their overarching vision of reconnecting elements within the urban environment.

Fuminori Nousaku ＋Mio Tsuneyama: URBAN FUNGUS at TOTO GALLERY・MA

portrait of Fuminori Nousaku and Mio Tsuneyama at the exhibition space

different models highlight their projects and methodologies

traditional practices meet eco-friendly materials

visitors observe the practical steps in Nousaku and Tsuneyama’s work, contributing to reshaping the urban environment

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project info:

name: Fuminori Nousaku ＋ Mio Tsuneyama: URBAN FUNGUS – Architecture is a Complex Mesh

architects: Fuminori Nousaku ＋ Mio Tsuneyama

location: TOTO GALLERY·MA, Tokyo

dates: Thursday, January 18 – Sunday, March 24, 2024

special advisor: Tadao Ando
members: Momoyo Kaijima, Akihisa Hirata, Seng Kuan, Tsuyoshi Tane

support: Tokyo Society of Architects & Building Engineers; Tokyo Association of Architectural Firms; Japan Institute of Architects Kanto-Koshinetsu Chapter; Architectural Institute of Japan Kanto Chapter

photography: © designboom