DROPCITY | 12 - 21 April 2024
Tunnel 44 Via Sammartini, 20125 Milano
12, 6PM - 9PM
13,14, 1PM - 6PM
15-21, 11AM - 7PM
From minerals, paints were born, and wheat transformed into bread.
Throughout history, humanity has expanded the possibilities of materials by crushing solids
into powder. Powdering is one of humanity’s most primitive processing methods. Turning
materials into powder not only makes them more manageable and versatile but also allows us
to encounter expressions and behaviors that were never visible in their solid state.
WONDER POWDER is a research project by Shimadzu Corporation and the design studio
we+, driven by the potential of powder. Launched in 2022, this project involves not only
observing the movement of powdered various materials underwater but also scientifically
analyzing them using Shimadzu Corporation’s analytical instruments. Through a dual approach
of sensory and logical exploration, the project seeks to understand the beauty of powder. In
this exhibition, we showcase some research findings and installations as part of the
project, attempting to capture “beauty” from a new perspective.
we+ is a contemporary design studio founded in 2013 by Toshiya Hayashi and Hokuto Ando,
that gives form to new perspectives and values using methods based on research and
experimentation.
The studio explores the possibilities of alternative design that establishes a close
coexistence with the natural and social environment around us, and incorporates a
diversity of values that are often forgotten in today's society, where convenience and
rationality are sought. Members with diverse backgrounds and skills: designers,
engineers, researchers and writers, come together to present self-initiated projects
that have emerged from their daily research, both in Japan and abroad. With the
knowledge gained from these projects, they participate in a wide range of corporate and
organizational projects, including R&D, installations as commissioned works, branding,
product development, spatial design and art direction.
Received many awards, including Dezeen Awards 2022 / Emerging Design
Studio of the Year Public Vote, FRAME Awards 2023 / Furniture of the year,
Wallpaper* Design Awards 2022 / Best Elements of Surprise, EDIDA 2019 / Young
Designer of the Year Nominee, KUKAN DESIGN AWARD 2020 / Gold Prize. The work is in
the collection of Vitra Design Museum, Germany.
Learn more
Shimadzu Design is a department within Shimadzu Corporation engaged in a broad range of
design activities, including the external appearance, UI, communication, research,
evaluation, and more. Since the establishment of the Shimadzu Corporation Design
Department in 1958, the department has been guided by the founder’s belief in
craftsmanship: “If it benefits even just one person or if it’s something that doesn’t
exist in the world, try doing it if it contributes to people.” This principle forms the
foundation for their design activities.
In this project, Shimadzu Design utilizes the analytical measurement technologies of
Shimadzu Corporation, which have primarily been applied in the fields of healthcare,
life sciences, and the environment. They utilize these technologies as a starting point
to understand phenomena that are perceived as beautiful. Through the creation of this
installation, they are exploring new possibilities for analytical measurement
technologies.
Learn more
We employ our unique research method, "Artistic Research", which combines a “Sensory
Approach” involving experimentation and fieldwork while valuing intuition and
subjectivity, with a “Logical Approach” involving an accumulation of information and
data to attain an objective viewpoint on the subject of study.
Going back and forth
between these two approaches, deepens the understanding of the subject
and results
in
outputs like installations, based on criteria such as evoking empathy or
aesthetic
appeal.
By utilizing Shimadzu Corporation's analytical measurement instruments to scientifically elucidate the composition, size, and shape of particles, we aim to further enhance the "Logical Approach" in Artistic Research. Striving to maximize the spectrum between sensibility and logic, we explore new possibilities in analysis, leveraging Shimadzu's expertise in analytical measurement to support and elucidate the realm of sensibility. Viewing the analysis and its results conducted in this initiative as the starting point for unraveling beauty, we seek to pursue the further potential of analytical measurement technology, drawing insights from the discussions and feedback obtained from this exhibition.
Crushing various materials, from natural minerals to artificial objects, into powder and observing the beauty of their behavior in water, we scientifically elucidate the particle size and shape using analytical measurement instruments from Shimadzu Corporation. Through the synergistic effects of two-way approach of both sensibility and logic, we deepen the understanding of the object and sublimate it into an output.
Dropcity is a new centre for Architecture and Design that will be developed along Via Sammartini in Milan. Located inside the Magazzini Raccordati in the Central Station, this project is an initiative conceived by architect Andrea Caputo back in 2018 with the aim of establishing a place for people to meet and discuss architecture, design and the contemporary city.
GOOGLE MAP
Organizer: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
Research & Design: Hokuto Ando, Toshiya Hayashi, Peach / Yohei Aoki,
Eri Sekiguchi, Kihiro Inoue, Qihua Huang (we+)
Ryo Takegawa, Tomoya Sugie, Shinya
Hasebe (Shimadzu Design)
Material Analysis: Shimadzu Techno-Research, Inc.
Technical Design: Satoru Kusakabe
Engineering: Shunji Sato
Graphic Design: Tatsuro Shoji
Photo: Masayuki Hayashi
Movie: Kenichi Murase
Coordination: Yukiko Kanamori, Hiroko Goda
PR: HOW INC.
Support: Toyo Aluminium K.K., HAKUTEN