Me [mé] Carves a 'Hole in the World' Through a Japanese Residence, Creating a Cave-like Interior
Experience Architecture Transformed: A Journey into a Sculpted Void
Discovering 'Space II': A Residential Metamorphosis in Kannawa, Japan
In the vibrant geothermal community of Kannawa, located within Beppu, Oita Prefecture, Japan, the innovative art group Me [mé] unveils its latest creation, 'Space II' (2025). This large-scale artistic endeavor is situated within a private dwelling, which has been dramatically reconfigured. The structure now features a series of unconventional openings, their edges left in a raw, organic state, suggesting that the interior has been naturally eroded. Rather than leading to typical rooms, these apertures reveal a profound rupture, reminiscent of a natural grotto or a deep chasm, emphasizing a connection to the earth's primal forces over human construction.
Redefining Architectural Perception: Beyond Walls and Enclosures
The Japanese artists behind Me [mé] approach 'Space II' by subtracting existing elements from the building, rather than adding new ones. This method transforms the dwelling's interior, where traditional walls and floors give way to a continuous, cavernous expanse. The surfaces within this new space are textured, recalling the patterns of weathered rock formations and ancient volcanic layers. Subtle handrails are integrated to guide visitors through this unique environment, providing necessary support without detracting from the raw, experiential nature of the installation.
Light and Landscape: A Dialogue with the Outside World
Natural light filters into 'Space II' through its various openings, drawing in fleeting glimpses of Kannawa's urban fabric—its rooftops, bustling streets, and passing inhabitants. This infusion of external elements into the sculpted interior prompts observers to view the familiar world through a refreshed, often disorienting lens. The interplay of light and shadow within the void creates an ever-changing visual narrative, enhancing the sense of a temporary, altered reality.
Echoes of Earth: Kannawa's Volcanic History Embodied
Situated within the Geothermal Tourism Lab ENMA Annex, 'Space II' is deeply connected to Beppu's rich geological and cultural heritage. Kannawa, a region shaped by countless volcanic eruptions and seismic shifts, was once regarded with apprehension but later embraced for its healing hot springs. Me [mé] delves into this tumultuous past, envisioning a time when the land was still actively evolving, untamed by human constructs such as language, tourism, or infrastructure. The cavernous forms within the installation mirror the town's essence—its structures, its people, and its natural surroundings—while simultaneously offering a momentary escape from them.
From Overlay to Erasure: A Shift in Artistic Strategy
'Space II' builds upon Me [mé]'s previous work, 'Space' (2020), which was exhibited at the Towada Art Center. In that earlier project, a pristine, museum-like exhibition space was unexpectedly introduced into a retro snack bar. However, with 'Space II', the artistic methodology evolves significantly. Instead of juxtaposing disparate contexts, the collective opts for a strategy of removal, effectively stripping away conventional contextual elements to create an entirely new, unburdened experience.