Celebrating Creativity: 17th Able Space Design Competition Grand Prize Exhibition

The 17th Able Space Design Competition is set to showcase the best in innovative design through its upcoming exhibition, the "28㎡ Creativity Exhibition," held at Spiral Garden in Aoyama, Tokyo. This event will take place from November 7 to 9, 2025, bringing together talented university and vocational students who participated in this year's competition.

The Able Corporation, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, initiated this year's competition aimed at discovering and supporting promising designers from universities, graduate schools, vocational schools, and technical colleges. The competition attracted a record number of submissions, highlighting the overwhelming creativity of students across Japan. This year's theme, "New Possibilities for 28㎡ One-Room Living Spaces," encouraged participants to propose innovative solutions for rental housing designs.

The exhibition will feature a full-scale display of the Grand Prize-winning design, along with models from other finalists. Attendees will experience firsthand the ingenuity and charm these students have infused into a limited space of 28 square meters. Visitors will be immersed in a variety of creative solutions that showcase how students perceive and utilize small areas, emphasizing versatility and innovation.

Grand Prize Winner: Concept Overview

The Grand Prize-winning entry, titled "Insertion of Framework and Void," was designed by Hayato Morikawa from Kyoto Institute of Technology. Morikawa's concept challenges the traditional one-room layout, questioning whether typical designs can accommodate the diversity of modern living and the interactions with the external environment.

The innovative proposal incorporates a wooden framework skillfully shifted within an RC (reinforced concrete) construction, allowing depth in the living space. This structure creates an expanded dirt floor as visitors progress deeper into the area. The design features varying height levels and silver wall surfaces that gracefully reflect natural light, enhancing the sense of space.

The versatile dirt floor seamlessly connects to a balcony, transforming the area into a workspace, dining table, or garden as per the occupants' needs. By introducing a framework that does not define the space, Morikawa's design brings forth flexible voids that invite users to engage in personal creativity and interaction with the environment. Rather than presenting a finite solution, this design embodies an evolving concept of home, resonating with traditional townhouses while redefining the essence of modern one-room living.

Comments from Hayato Morikawa

Morikawa expressed his gratitude for receiving this esteemed award, stating, "It is a great honor to be recognized with the Grand Prize. Conceptualizing a new approach to architecture in a limited space was both challenging and immensely rewarding. I appreciate the opportunity to present before the judges and thank them for their recognition of my work. Thank you!"

What to Expect at the Exhibition

In addition to showcasing the Grand Prize design, the exhibition will also feature an array of models created during architectural workshops targeting children from Ehime Prefecture and Sapporo City. Sponsored by the Able Group's local revitalization project, "JAPAN DESIGN WEEK," these displays underscore the importance of engaging future generations in architectural concepts and design.

Mark your calendars for this exciting event and come experience the creativity and commitment of youth in design! The exhibition will be free to enter and will take place at:

- Date: November 7 (Friday) to 9 (Sunday), 2025
- Time: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM (until 7:00 PM on the 9th)
- Location: Spiral Garden, 1F, 5-6-23 Minami Aoyama, Minato, Tokyo

This is a rare opportunity to witness the imaginative works of students and children, celebrating creativity and innovation in design. We look forward to welcoming you at Spiral Garden!