#Japan #Tokyo #Contemporary Art #Urban Design #WHAT MUSEUM

Urban Architecture Talk Event Description

On June 13, 2026, WHAT MUSEUM, a contemporary art and architecture museum operated by Terada Warehouse Co., Ltd. in Shinagawa, Tokyo, will host a cross-talk event titled "投げる遠投とそのまなざし" (Throwing Long Distances: Perspectives from Cities). This event is closely related to the ongoing exhibition "波板と珊瑚礁 ‐ 建築を遠くに投げる八の実践" (Corrugated Sheets and Coral Reefs: Eight Practices in Throwing Architecture Far Away). Aimed at unraveling thoughts around urban architecture, this dynamic event features three participating architects: ALTEMY, GROUP, and RUI Architects, alongside architectural historian Hidenobu Jinai and sociologist Yoshikazu Nango.

The current exhibition focuses on "models" as a medium for expressing the philosophical thoughts of architects. Eight emerging architects from both Japan and abroad have created models specifically for this exhibition, providing visitors with a tangible experience that encapsulates the unique thought processes that words and drawings often fail to convey.

Featured Works and Discussions

During the event, the focus will be on three architectural works that tackle urban themes:

1. ALTEMY presents "往還する身体" (The Body in Transit), where urban space is explored through the representation of individual bodies within the display, translating these considerations into a visual narrative.
2. GROUP aims to redefine urban sleeping spaces with their work titled "都市と眠り" (Urban and Sleep), which proposes new possibilities for urban development in Shibuya.
3. RUI Architects reconsiders the arrangement and relationships of objects within urban settings through their compelling project titled "Prop".

Hidenobu Jinai and Yoshikazu Nango will explore these three pieces through the lenses of architectural history and urban sociology. Each architect will present their work and engage in discussions with Jinai and Nango, offering attendees an in-depth understanding of how architectural practices and thoughts are perceived and contextualized within actual urban environments.

The event will culminate in a lively cross-talk session, involving all speakers as they debate the relationship between urban settings and architecture from their diverse perspectives. The discussions will enrich the audience's comprehension of the exhibition theme: "throwing architecture far away," while also encouraging reflection on the intertwined relationship between cities and architecture.

Event Details

• - Title: 投げる遠投とそのまなざし
• - Date: June 13, 2026, 15:00 - 18:30
• - Speakers: Hidenobu Jinai, Yoshikazu Nango, ALTEMY, GROUP, RUI Architects (titles omitted)
• - Entry Fee: 2,500 yen for general admission, 1,800 yen for university and vocational students (includes admission to the exhibition).
• - Capacity: 150 participants (advance reservations required, first-come-first-served basis)
• - Venue: WHAT CAFE, 2-1-11 Higashi Shinagawa, Shinagawa, Tokyo 140-0002
• - Organizer: WHAT MUSEUM
• - Produced by: WHAT MUSEUM, KNOTTER Co., Ltd.
• - Official Website: WHAT Museum Event Page

The architecture exhibition "波板と珊瑚礁 ‐ 建築を遠くに投げる八の実践" runs from April 21 to September 13, 2026, inviting visitors to explore the creative models produced by notable architects. This exhibition highlights the creative dialogue between architecture and the surrounding urban landscape, perfect for art and architecture enthusiasts eager to broaden their understanding.

About WHAT MUSEUM

Located in an art-forward space of the Terada Warehouse, WHAT MUSEUM stands out as a culturally rich hub where contemporary art and architecture come together. It serves not only as a gallery for diverse art forms but also as a dynamic space for artistic engagement and community interaction.

Discover more at WHAT MUSEUM Official Site.