Panasonic At Milano Salone 2016 With 140 screen ‘KUKAN’ – The Invention of Space Installation
Gail Chiasson, North American Editor
OSAKA, Japan-based Panasonic Corporation will be taking part in the Milano Salone 2016 in Milan, Italy, April 12-17, with an installation designed with the theme ‘KŪKAN’ The Invention of Space.
The installation will feature 140 55” screens arranged into seven pillars that will showcase Japan’s unique view of the world and the beauty of its nature, while also combining the traditional culture of Japan with state-of-the-art technology to bring to life a new experience: the ‘Wonder Japan Experience’ that fuels imagination.
Satoshi Takeyasu, executive officer heading Panasonic’s corporate communications, says, “By taking part in Milano Salone 2016, Panasonic hopes to bring to light the undiscovered potential and allure of various spaces that Panasonic can create with its technologies in imaging, audio, lighting, etc., honed through its home appliance business, and thereby endeavor to deliver wonder and excitement to people all around the world.”
The installation’s video content called ‘7 Dimensions’ introduces Japanese culture from the perspective of space and invents new, imaginative spaces that reflect Japan’s unique view of the world. The seven towering pillars form a spatial installation where images meet sound to create a one-of-a-kind experience.
The journey through this space also fuels the imaginations of its visitors. These seven pillars take on a completely different expression depending on the angle from which they are viewed and brings to life an unknown, unexplored environment. They express Japan’s unique view of the world and the beauty of its nature, and its unique sense of aesthetics, comparisons, and boundaries fundamental in Japan’s culture and art that has been honed since time immemorial. By doing so, the pillars create a ‘space’ that is a source of infinite inspiration, that enables visitors to become disconnected or feel connected to others.
The total design and general production is by SD Associates, Inc. represented by Shuichi Furumi, who says, “People can be more free. If homes change, people can live anywhere they want from the polar region, remote islands to mountaintops. This becomes possible with the invention of space brought to life by technological innovation. ‘7 Dimensions’ creates an unknown, unexplored space. It will surprise you and fuel your imagination as you retrace the steps of Japanese culture.”
The visual imagery is produced by Montage Inc., whose Masao Ochiai says, “These pillars represent the boundaries between heaven and earth, here and there, ourselves and others. People begin to recognize the space in which they exist when they discover these boundaries, and get inspired to create new spaces after watching a sequence of these boundaries. This idea was the departure point for this installation.”
Milano Salone is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year. This large event that also features a leading furniture show held every year in Milan, Italy. The Milano Salone is held in the main venue “FIERA” and “FUORI SALONE,” which refers to a number of venues within the city of Milan. Panasonic’s installation will be in the “FUORI SALONE”
Milano Salone has great influence on the design industry as a launch pad for the latest global design trends. In recent years, it has evolved beyond its role as a design exhibition and is drawing attention as a platform of expression for many brands. It usually has approximately 310,000 visitors and 160 participating countries.
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