One of the most significant Japanese figures in contemporary architecture, Kengo Kuma, has unveiled his installation titled ‘NAMAKO’ that will feature as the inaugural ephemeral architecture project to launch this year’s DESIGN Canberra Festival in November. The highly anticipated project will activate Aspen Island in Lake Burley Griffin for the duration of the festival.

The acclaimed architect most recently recognised as the designer of Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium for the 2020 Olympic Games will be joining other artists from Canberra’s thriving craft and design community to exhibit in the festival in November.

A prototype of what will eventually be a 3-metre-high, 12-metre-wide installation has been revealed in Tokyo – images attached.  The installation will be composed of a steel rod frame structure and mesh made with bio-acrylic rods woven together by zip-ties.

“This notable project embodies education, experimentation and sustainability, a first for Australia’s city of design, Canberra. It is the perfect opportunity to launch what has become the ACT’s fastest growing festival, DESIGN Canberra,” says Rachael Coghlan, CEO of Craft ACT and Artistic Director of DESIGN Canberra 2018.

DESIGN Canberra is an annual festival which celebrates and promotes Canberra as a global city of design and is the ACT’s fastest growing festival. Presenting the ultimate culture trip, DESIGN Canberra will host over 100 events, with pop-up bars and local music acts to be enjoyed between attending the range of exhibitions, talks, tours, markets, artist studios and open homes that will be showcased over the festival. The DESIGN Canberra Festival is for all interests and ages, with most events free.