#Japan #Tokyo #Art Freak #INSPIRATION SPACE #G-Mark Award

Introduction

Art Freak, a leading design firm based in Tokyo, has achieved remarkable recognition with the recent awarding of the Good Design Award 2025 for its innovative showroom, the INSPIRATION SPACE. This immersive exhibition space forms part of the InnoValley technology development center operated by Taiyo Ink Manufacturing Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Taiyo Holdings, also located in Tokyo. The aim of INSPIRATION SPACE is to enhance visitors' understanding of solder resist materials used in printed circuit boards through an engaging, hands-on experience.

Award Overview

The INSPIRATION SPACE has been awarded in the display and exhibition category, highlighting its significance as an exceptional design achievement. Developed collaboratively between Taiyo Holdings, Taiyo Ink Manufacturing, and Art Freak, the showroom serves as a pivotal location for visitors to learn about the inherent value of invisible technologies and how they play a critical role in everyday electronics. The award number attributed to this project is 25G171398.

Concept and Background

Design Philosophy

The overarching design concept behind the INSPIRATION SPACE was to transform the typically unseen technical aspects of solder resist materials into visible values and create an interactive space where dialogue could thrive. Recognizing that solder resist is a key material in electronics but often underappreciated due to its lack of visibility, Art Freak proposed an experiential design approach that fosters active engagement. Rather than simply conveying information, the design encourages visitors to see, touch, and contemplate the technology, ultimately leading to deeper conversations.

Architectural Design Approach

Multi-Faceted Experiences

The INSPIRATION SPACE is designed around three core themes: History, Future, and Technology, each offering unique interactive experiences. This thoughtful spatial organization utilizes multimedia elements such as video displays, interactive exhibits, and graphic installations to draw in visitors and engage their curiosity.

• - History Section: Here, visitors can explore the evolution of solder resist technology, tracing its development and significance over the years.
• - Future Corner: This area invites speculation on potential advancements in technology, featuring forward-thinking design concepts and innovations.
• - Technology Zone: Visitors interact with actual solder resist materials and experience a touch wall that conveys manufacturing processes and future urban landscapes through sensory engagement.

Digital-Analog Interaction

A distinctive feature of the INSPIRATION SPACE is its blend of digital and analog elements. The interactive touch wall allows for flexible updates with information on the latest technologies, while tangible analog panels showcasing real solder resist examples facilitate a physical connection to the technology. This intentional strategy reinforces the understanding of technology by allowing visitors to engage with it at different levels, providing a more profound understanding of its relevance.

Jury Comments

The Good Design Award jury praised the INSPIRATION SPACE for creating an environment that makes visible the often-invisible electronic materials, thereby communicating their societal significance while also enhancing the brand’s value. The impressive blend of digital and analog experiences encourages visitors to actively discover, touch, and reflect on the technology, resulting in an impactful showroom that bridges the gap between technology and humanity.

Looking Ahead

The recognition from the Good Design Award is seen by Art Freak as a validation of their design philosophy — that spatial design can serve as a medium for dialogue and realization between information that companies wish to convey and the curiosity of visitors. Moving forward, Art Freak will continue to pursue designs that not only create visually appealing spaces but also elevate the latent values and visions of businesses into tangible experiences that positively impact society.

Behind the Scenes

For those interested in the creative journey leading to the inception of INSPIRATION SPACE, Art Freak has shared insights on their thought process and development through a dedicated article featured on their note page at Art Freak Note.

About Good Design Award

Founded in 1957, the Good Design Award represents a prestigious selection system for design products and is a leading program that promotes high-quality design. It attracts participation from numerous national and international firms and organizations each year and aims to use design to improve living standards and address societal issues. The symbol of the award, the "G-Mark," is widely recognized as a mark of excellent design.

About Art Freak

Established in November 1990, Art Freak employs a holistic approach to space design, managing projects that range from B2B exhibitions, pop-up stores, to showrooms. With production sites in Kasaichi and a newly opened studio in Funabashi, Art Freak prides itself on its commitment to quality and speed in its work, continuously pushing the limits of creativity and innovation. Their mission is to remain creative, believing that shared emotions and aspirations can resonate and elevate the world's temperature. To learn more about Art Freak, visit their official website at Art Freak Official Site.