The exhibition brings together international designers within a space where modernism and traditional Japanese architecture meet.
A Dialogue Between Architecture and Contemporary Design
The Home Home exhibition by Akasaki and Vanhuyse gathered 16 designers and visual artists at Bundle Studio in Chiba, Japan. Organized outside the typical design week schedule, the show was conceived as a focused moment that highlights the relationship between design, architecture and daily living.
The setting played a crucial role in the exhibition. Works were presented across two contrasting structures: a 1974 modernist house designed by Ren Suzuki, who previously worked with Le Corbusier, and a traditional Edo period Shoin zukuri residence that was relocated during the Meiji era. Together, these spaces created a powerful dialogue between modern architecture and historical Japanese design traditions.
Five Rooms Filled With Objects and Ideas
The exhibition unfolded across five distinct areas of the house including the hall, living room, dining room, study and sunroom. Within these spaces, visitors encountered a mix of contemporary works such as furniture, lighting, homeware, accessories and photography.
A striking design element throughout the exhibition was the creative reuse of aluminum pallets. The industrial materials were stacked and arranged into modular furniture pieces including a stair shaped coffee table, a large dining table and a cushioned daybed. Their metallic surfaces contrasted with the dark wood and tiled floors of the historic architecture, creating a visual balance between industrial design and traditional interiors.
Design as a Living Environment
For many of the participating artists, Home Home marked their first opportunity to present work in Japan. Some introduced new designs while others reinterpreted existing pieces within the context of the exhibition’s unique environment.
Objects such as benches, lamps, sculptural works and door handles were positioned in conversation with architectural elements like fireplaces, skylights, arches and windows. This careful placement emphasized how design interacts with space and the human body.
By opening the house to the public, Akasaki and Vanhuyse encouraged visitors to experience the exhibition as a living environment rather than a traditional gallery. The result reflects the curators’ vision of design as purposeful, enduring and deeply connected to its surroundings.
