Architectural Cases

The eighth iteration of the triennial Roppongi Crossing exhibition at Tokyo's Mori Art Museum gathers 21 artists and collectives to investigate Japan's contemporary artistic landscape through the unifying yet diverse concept of time. Initiated in 2004 to capture the essence of the current era, this edition, aptly subtitled "What Passes Is Time. We Are Eternal.," displays over a hundred creations spanning various mediums including painting, sculpture, video, crafts, sound installations, independent publications (zines), and community-focused endeavors. The curatorial team, augmented by two internationally renowned Asian guest curators, has broadened the exhibition's scope to feature artists working within Japan, regardless of their nationality, as well as those of Japanese descent residing abroad.

Artists within the exhibition interpret the concept of time through various lenses, encompassing both its physical and conceptual dimensions. A.A. Murakami's immersive installation operates on an artificial intelligence-driven system, while Kuwata Takuro's expansive ceramic pieces push traditional methods to their material limits. Kelly Akashi's bronze and glass sculptures draw upon personal ancestral recollections and accounts of historical internment. Through their distinct artistic approaches, the exhibition portrays Japan as a dynamic landscape, continuously reshaped by the currents of memory, technological advancements, artisanal skills, and human displacement.

The exhibition invites visitors to reconsider the nature of time itself, not merely as a measurable quantity, but as a lived experience, individual and collective, transcending geographical boundaries. In a society increasingly driven by speed and technological advancement, the curators propose that art offers a unique space for deeper, more sensory engagements with time, allowing for its perceived expansion and contraction. The evocative subtitle, inspired by Indonesian poet Sapardi Djoko Damono, suggests that eternity resides not in abstract perpetuity but in the enduring power of memory, human connections, and shared meaning, underscoring the profound and lasting impact of fleeting moments.

The A' Design Award and Competition 2026 is drawing to a close, marking the final opportunity for designers worldwide to present their groundbreaking work. With the ultimate submission deadline set for February 28 and results anticipated on May 1, this moment is crucial for the international creative community to gain prominence. The platform offers an unparalleled avenue for various design disciplines, including furniture craftsmanship, architectural marvels, and initiatives focused on societal betterment, to achieve global validation.

The A' Design Award and Competition champions the idea that exceptional design, irrespective of its medium, warrants commendation. This all-encompassing philosophy is evident in its wide range of categories, ensuring specialized recognition for diverse areas of expertise. Winners from previous cycles have consistently demonstrated that creative brilliance knows no limits, spanning from intricate tactile creations to projects with extensive societal influence. The esteemed Grand Jury Panel, comprising 318 leading design professionals, academics, and media representatives, meticulously evaluates each submission, ensuring impartiality and expert judgment. Laureates of the A' Design Award benefit significantly, receiving international exhibition opportunities, a place in the distinguished yearbook, and specialized public relations support. This extensive recognition enhances their standing in the World Design Rankings and facilitates broader market access through project translations into over 100 languages.

A review of past victors illustrates the broad spectrum of categories, emphasizing that ingenuity is boundless. The awards acknowledge exceptional achievements in all manifestations, from the radiance of illuminating devices and the immersive quality of artistic installations to the exactitude of graphical representations and the profound cultural essence of apparel. Whether a design involves an ergonomically conceived seating solution, a cutting-edge temporary structure, or a project addressing social concerns and circular economy principles, designers are encouraged to submit their finest endeavors before the entry period concludes. Among the distinguished past winners are Gabriela Casagrande's 'Dolomite' armchair, the 'Tianmianshang Pavilion' by the Art Institute of Xiaoyan, NG Architects' 'Kindergarten in Vilnius' educational building, Huang Yu Jung's 'Free Air' artwork, Xu Tang's 'Anthropology Chinese Textbook Graphics Design', Shi Chun Sheng's 'Guangzhou Academy of Arts Exhibition Visual Identity', Rufan Lin's 'Miao Attire Innovation Cultural Fashion Design', 'CoDe Italian Design Museum' by Tihany Design and Matteo Vercelloni, Lei Wang's 'Culture to Technology Identity', Michel Nagi Ghostine's 'The Afterlife Cultural Space', Creazione Sugo's 'TCLGreen Sustainable Art Installation', Lets Art Hong Kong Limited's 'DH Seasons in Bloom Enamel Badge', U A D's 'Qiushi Academy', Ecust Creplus Design's 'Hyzy World Youth Activity Center Corporate Identity', PepsiCo Design and Innovation's 'Pepsi Diner Milan 2024', 'Dance With The Wind Art Installation' by Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan, Kukuk Box GmbH's 'Kukuk Box Mobile Playground', Ronghao Chang's 'Chambyrinth Social Impact', Eduardo Guizar Vukovich's 'The Ancient Mexicans Exhibition Identity', and Senem Cennetoglu's 'Shazhou Youhuang Cultural Park'.

This competition represents a pivotal moment for designers globally, offering an unparalleled stage for their innovations to be celebrated and to connect with a diverse and influential audience. The rigorous evaluation process by a panel of distinguished professionals ensures that only the most deserving projects receive recognition, thereby elevating the standards of design excellence. Participants are encouraged to seize this final opportunity to gain international acclaim and significant career advancement through their creative contributions.