Tokyo Reflections in Japan by cheungvogl

Article source: cheungvogl

The story goes that before the Tokyo subway system was used as a tunnel system; the underground spaces were inhabited by almost forgotten alien species. This ancient species was divided into two groups: the observers and the inter-actors.

‘Tokyo reflections’ is a temporary interactive installation in Tokyo station, Japan and other stations across the network, where the public is able to experience the typical behaviors of this nearly forgotten species. One can participate as an ‘inter-actor’ in an open communicative way, encouraging gatherings in small groups. On the other hand, you can take the place of the observers which just stand around the inter-actors, but documenting more than participating in the activity viewing everything from the underside of their eyes. it is believed that these species failed to reproduce as it mixed its genetic code with the human species and observing genes became too dominant. The theory is still awaiting scientific proof.

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• Architect: cheungvogl
• Name of Project: Tokyo Reflections
• Location: Tokyo, Japan

Objectives

Tokyo Reflections is an experiment that aspires to transform Tokyo station underground platforms to become a dynamic public place rather than a thoroughfare. It explores tangible interactive opportunities – with others or ourselves. It understands the mindless minds while waiting for the next train. Just waiting for time to pass. It dreams of small changes to fill the emptiness of thoughts with reflections.

The experiment challenges the everyday sameness. It explores new expansions, new possibilities, new freshness to allow ‘moments’ to happen naturally. This architectural intervention is an art installation acting as a catalyst that binds random people, random minds and random reflections, drawing random hopes into ‘moments’ of dreams.

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Body of Change

‘Moments’ begin with an ensemble of surreal alien installation placed in one of the most traveled places, Tokyo Station. The ensemble is a functional installation that appears as supernatural sculptures where travelers are attracted to pause, reflect and imagine. The magic begins when two people share the same thought, while travelers experience and react to the aliens, the everyday sameness is interrupted, allowing people to connect and interact within such small ‘moments’. The experience transforms an ordinary place into an extraordinary platform for inspirations, imaginations, observations and communications.

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Detail

Exhibition panels will guide travelers through their journeys in finding random ‘moments’.

“Long before people made use of the tunnel system, today known as Tokyo Subway system, underground spaces were inhabited by almost forgotten alien species. This ancient species was generally divided into two categories, the ‘observers’ and the ‘inter-actors’.

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In an ephemeral installation at the Tokyo station underground platform, one can experience the typical behaviors of our species. In this installation, one can take part as the inter-actor, with open and communicative nature, gathering around in small groups. Contrarily, by acting as the observer, one simply observes rather than exhibits any thoughts. The observer tends to stand near the peripheral next to the inter-actors. Surreptitiously, the observers engage in documenting the activities with their fish-eye reflective lenses.”

As part of the installation, Tokyo Station will undergo various simple measures to enhance the atmosphere of the platform area. The light arrangements will be concentrated on the rail track area, replacing the existing dull light boxes. The back wall will be covered with backlit membrane, reflecting diffused light back onto the platform area.

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Tokyo station

Tags: Japan, Tokyo

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