Ripple
2020
Light / Wind / Refraction
Wind sets light into motion across the floor, creating subtle trembling patterns that shift with time. Ripple explores how this fleeting phenomenon can become spatial structure. Inspired by the circular ripple formed when a raindrop touches the surface of water, the installation translates this transient order into architectural space. Acrylic pipes and triangular glass prisms are suspended from the ceiling and arranged in a configuration that allows the system to stand autonomously. Natural light refracts through the elements and spreads across the floor as wavering reflections.
These patterns move gradually over time and respond even to the slightest movement of air. Their sequence continues endlessly yet never repeats the same form. During the design process, local wind direction and solar altitude were measured, and the optical properties of the materials were carefully tested. No mechanical force is introduced. Instead, the installation operates solely through natural conditions of light and air. Rather than presenting a finished form, Ripple establishes the conditions through which natural forces can enter and animate space.
Year
2020
Location
Tokyo, Japan
Material
Wood, plaster, acrylic pipes, glass prisms
Size
H 4000 × W 27960 × D 4675 mm
Floor area approx. 95 m²
Exhibition
Doctoral Program Final Exhibition 2020
Venue
Tokyo University of the Arts
PHENOMENA
Light
Wind
Solar movement
↓
APPARATUS
Suspended acrylic pipes
Triangular glass prisms
Solar refraction system
↓
SPATIAL EXPERIENCE
Shifting reflections
Pulsing spatial rhythm
Non-repeating light patterns
Ripple begins with a simple observation: when a raindrop touches the surface of water, a circular order emerges and quietly disappears. The form itself leaves no trace, yet the underlying structure persists in memory. The work attempts to extend this momentary order into space. Suspended acrylic pipes and prisms capture natural light and transform it into a field of moving reflections. Air currents gently disturb the system, causing the patterns to shift across the floor like breathing. The installation does not impose motion but receives it from the surrounding environment. Wind and light act as invisible collaborators, generating spatial rhythms that cannot be fully predicted. Rather than constructing a fixed object, Ripple establishes the conditions through which natural forces can continuously reorganize space.
Year 2020
Location Tokyo, Japan
Type
Research-based Installation
Material
Wood, plaster, acrylic pipes, glass prisms
Dimensions
H 4000 × W 27960 × D 4675 mm
Floor area approx. 95 m²
Exhibition
Doctoral Program Final Exhibition 2020
Tokyo University of the Arts
Awards Design Educates Awards 2024 (POL) ・Emerging Designer, Categories Architecture. ・Honourable Mention in Architectural Design, Categories Architecture. LICC - London International Creative Competition 2023 (GBR) ・Best in BUILD (Architecture), Categories BUILD (Architecture). 4 Future awards 2023 (CAN) ・Gold Award, Categories Light Art ・Gold Award, Categories Architectural & Art ・Gold Award, Categories Daylight project ・Honourable Mention, Categories Architectural Design Conceptual Architecture ARCHITECTURE MASTERPRIZE AWARDS 2023 (USA) ・Best of Best, Categories ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN / Conceptual Architecture. LIT Lighting Design Awards 2023 (CHE) ・Emerging Architectural Lighting Designer Of The Year, Categories Daylighting. ・Winner, Categories Architectural Lighting Design / Visitor Experience & Museum Exhibition. BLT Built Design Awards 2023 (CHE) ・Emerging Architect of the Year, Categories Architectural Design. ・Winner in Architectural Design, Categories Architectural Design - Others architectural projects. Architizer: Vision Awards (USA) ・Special Mention, Category of Student Creator Of The Year 2023. Red Dot Design Award 2023 (DEU, SGP) ・Winner of Red Dot, Design Concept, Category of Architecture. ・Finalist, Design Concept, Category of Exhibition and Events. A + Awards 2023 (USA) ・Special Mention, Category of Architecture + Art. A' Design Award and Competition 2023 (ITA) ・Silver, Category of Architecture / Building and Structure Design. JID AWARD 2022 (JPN) ・Grand Prix. ・Guest Jury Special Prize of Hiroshi Nakamura. TOKYO GEIDAI Art Fest. 2021 (JPN) ・Art Renaissance Prize. ・Guest Jury Special Prize of Kengo Kuma Nomura Foundation. 2021 (JPN) ・Nomura Art Prize.
Support
Miki Orihara, Takumi Fujiwara, Katsunori Honma
Material Support
Yoichi Suzuki (Sumida Manufacturing Co., Ltd.)
Photo Shooting
© Nacása & Partners Inc. Futa MORIISHI
Drone Shooting
Yukihide Nakano
Video Shooting and Editing
Takatoku Nishi
