#Japan #Shibuya #Designers Edge #Union Tec #Hidenori Tsuboi

Designers Edge Event: Embracing Creativity in Constraints

On June 18, 2023, Union Tec Co., Ltd., headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, hosted the eighth edition of the interactive event series, Designers Edge. This platform aims to catalyze future creativity in spatial design, attracting a diverse audience ranging from students to professionals in the design field.

The esteemed guest for this session was Hidenori Tsuboi, an architect renowned for his thoughtful design philosophy that harmonizes with small-scale environments and materials. His presentation, titled "Creativity Born from Constraints,” shared valuable insights into how to engage with materials and locations thoughtfully. Tsuboi emphasized the concept of “indomitable architecture,” reflecting on his experiences and design practices that challenge the status quo.

Attendees actively participated in a Q&A session, followed by a networking event that encouraged interaction among various design disciplines. Many expressed their desire to return for future events and implement learned principles in their work, underlining the event's role as a fertile ground for growth and inspiration among designers.

Recap of Designers Edge Event #8

This session's highlight was the engaging dialogue led by Tsuboi, who reflected on his 14-year career since establishing his practice. He presented impressive projects such as the beauty salon "anfrum,” the specialty fragrance shop "ICHIKŌ ICHIE” in Umeda, and the Dōgawa Onsen Brewery, articulating the innovative concepts and philosophies that guided his work.

At "anfrum,” Tsuboi showcased how he utilized the existing columns and beams within the challenging constraints of a mere 15 tsubo (approx. 50 square meters) to create an environment characterized by order and rhythm. The result was an efficient yet visually striking space. In the case of "ICHIKŌ ICHIE,” a compact 9 tsubo (approx. 30 square meters) store, he crafted furniture from the rare stone "Honkomatsu” to infuse a narrative of materials into the design.

The Dōgawa Onsen Brewery project illustrated Tsuboi’s commitment to local culture and materials, designing a structure reminiscent of a traditional 'engawa' or veranda that opens to the community. By integrating washi paper and medicinal woods, he wove the region's history into the fabric of the architecture. Tsuboi emphasized that achieving a world heritage-level residence on just 100 square meters is possible through relentless thinking and commitment, highlighting that value does not correlate with scale.

The event concluded with renewed enthusiasm for future gatherings, as participants left with not only insights but also the motivation to maximize the potential of their unique conditions in design.

Upcoming: Designers Edge Event #9

Looking ahead, the ninth installment of Designers Edge will take place on July 28, 2025. This edition will feature speaker Yoshiko Nakayama, representative of Nakayama Yoshiko Design Planning. The theme will center on exploring the essence and possibilities of design through contemporary architectural examples.

In anticipation of future events, the Designers Edge community continues to strive for deepening engagement and evolution within the design landscape, welcoming designers and students alike.

Event Overview:
Theme: A journey to the cutting edge
Date: July 28, 2025
Venue: Union Tec Headquarters, Shibuya, Tokyo
Entry Fee: Free
Capacity: 100 participants (with some online options)
Special Note: Non-designers must be accompanied by at least one designer.

Through events like Designers Edge, Union Tec seeks to foster an environment where dialogue and collaboration can help nurture the next generation of designers, advocating for innovative approaches in spatial design.

For more information and registration, visit the official Designers Edge webpage.