Throughout Japanese history, models have long been used in architectural development and are also a medium for conveying the architectural culture of their eras.

Their role has continued to evolve, and today they are not only a tool for experimentation and analysis up to the completion of a building but also an evolution in materials and engineering; they have come to influence architects’ thoughts and expressions.

This exhibition showcases architectural models, which have changed along with the times and the thinking of their creators. It examines their roles and significance in their historical context, from antiquity to the present. More than 20 models will be exhibited at the venue, including historical models such as a House-Shaped Clay Figurine (Haniwa) from the Kofun period and a wooden model of Nobeoka Castle made in the Edo period, as well as the unbuilt* model “New Tokyo City Hall Project, Competition Proposal” by contemporary architect Arata Isozaki, and the “Naoshima Hall” Model of Wind Tunnel Experiment by Hiroshi Sambuichi.

During the exhibition period, exhibitors and site staff will guide visitors on tour around the exhibition, and a workshop for visitors to experience making models themselves is also planned. Details will be announced on the WHAT MUSEUM website as they are finalized.

photo by Kenji Seo

*Unbuilt: Architecture that has not been built

[Highlights]
A comprehensive overview of architectural models — from House-Shaped Clay Figurine (Haniwa) in the Kofun Period to models by contemporary architects

The exhibition will feature a collection of valuable architectural models from different periods, including a House-Shaped Clay Figurine (Haniwa) in Kofun-period (4th-5th century), an Edo-period wooden model of Nobeoka Castle, a Miniature architectural papercraft of tea-ceremony room (Copied), and a model reconstruction of a raised-floor building made in the mid-20th century, alongside architectural models by contemporary architects. Visitors will be presented with a comprehensive overview and chronology detailing how the roles and significance of models have continually changed with the times.

photo by Kenji Seo

Exhibits include a variety of models by contemporary architects including Arata Isozaki, Kengo Kuma + Satoko Shinohara, Kazuyo Sejima + Ryue Nishizawa (SANAA), Hiroshi Sambuichi and Terunobu Fujimori

On display will be the unbuilt model “New Tokyo City Hall Project, Competition Proposal” by Arata Isozaki, “Rolex Learning Center, EPFL” by Kazuyo Sejima + Ryue Nishizawa (SANAA), the “Naoshima Hall” Model of Wind Tunnel Experiment by Hiroshi Sambuichi, and “Wani” by Terunobu Fujimori, which was sculpted from a single log. Also on view for the first time at this exhibition is a model reproduction of “A Small Bathhouse in Izu,” made over 30 years ago by Kengo Kuma + Satoko Shinohara. Visitors will be able to view valuable and varied models by contemporary architects.

photo by Kenji Seo

Exhibition of architectural models as communication tools and for the purposes of handing down memories

ondesign’ touchable model “Glowing Model”, Machida-City Serigaya park “Park Museum” project will be exhibited. Visitors will be allowed to directly touch the model. The “Lost Homes” model reconstruction project will also be exhibited, in which towns and villages lost to earthquakes are reconstructed at 1/500 scale with the aim of preserving and passing down their regional townscapes, environments, and the memories of those who lived there.

photo by Kenji Seo