Chaumet
«CONVERSATIONS VIRTUOSES 2»
A Place Where Diverse Matters Intersect.
Chaumet
«CONVERSATIONS VIRTUOSES 2»
A Place Where Diverse Matters Intersect.
In the autumn of 2023, over a period of four days, the high jewelry brand Chaumet and artist Taiju Yamashita collaborated on an event “CONVERSATIONS VIRTUOSES 2”. This was the second edition of the event, following the first one held in 2021 at the Sankei-en in Yokohama. For this edition, Chaumet invited Taiju Yamashita as the venue designer. The event was conceptualized as a “dialogue” where high jewelry and contemporary art, incorporating traditional Japanese techniques, are showcased together within the space created by Yamashita.
When I first took on this project, the primary focus was on how to express the concept of “dialogue” within the space. The key inspiration came from the aesthetics derived from the cultural traditions of both Western and Eastern architecture. For “CONVERSATIONS VIRTUOSES 2”, the goal was not to juxtapose Western and Eastern elements, but rather to merge the underlying beauty of both to represent a world of “dialogue.” There are points of intersection in the process of creation, even within different cultures. This idea served as the foundation for the project.
The center is the main area, and the three pieces of furniture are highlighted while creating a relationship where they interact with each other. Making the most of the symmetrical space, we created a delicate yet dynamic composition.
Window display designs are unified with the same materials to create an overall world view.
Chaumet's iconic diamonds are gems born from the Western culture of "complex beauty," where a single stone is intricately cut and shaped into a crystalline form. On the other hand, the Eastern Zen philosophy of "minimal beauty," which seeks extreme minimalism, can also be likened to a refined single crystal. In this context, the crystal is envisioned as a "single drop of dew" that falls onto the surface of the water, creating ripples that gently spread and generate a soft breeze in the air. This imagery was translated into the design of the space by incorporating a wave-like curved wall made from a material that can be freely shaped.
The small diamond, encapsulating the history and craftsmanship of jewelry, and the large space, embodying condensed thought and design, enhance each other. This is an example of how seemingly opposing elements can resonate together, reflecting the brand’s philosophy.
I wonder if we can discover a commonality between the “complex beauty” that is created through additions and the “minimal beauty” that emerges through minimization.
Hardness and softness, warmth and coldness, the public and the personal spaces. Contemporary art displayed within historical architecture, and the explosive creativity that arises within various constraints. By observing things in relation to one another, we can uncover both timeless values and innovative ones that challenge traditional boundaries.
I believe the beauty of each side ultimately merges into one.
Unlike permanent architecture, designing a temporary space offers the advantage of bold experimentation due to its transient nature.
We made use of materials that are usually not applied in spatial designs. For example, the material we used to achieve the soft, wave-like curves of the wall was a cushioning fabric commonly used in conveyor belts.
While shining light on the models and materials, experiment with how the light would appear in a real space.
Creating something innovative within constraints like budget, time, and a defined space is extremely challenging. Designing architecture and spaces feels less like a creative explosion akin to Taro Okamoto and more like threading a needle through the single point where everyone agrees.
In architectural and interior design projects, as one gains experience, there tends to be a predetermined form that develops, leading to a certain degree of design formalization. I want to ensure that I don’t lose sight of the joy in discovering new ideas in a blank state, detached from any set framework.
