‘ANNUAL OF SPATIAL DESIGN IN JAPAN 2023’ COLLECTED THE AWARD-WINNING SPATIAL DESIGNS OF JAPAN, CELEBRATING ITS 50TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY AND SHOWCASING THE TRANSFORMATIONS OF JAPAN’S LANDSCAPE OF SPATIAL DESIGN OVER THE PAST YEARS
TEXT: PANYAPORN SANPRADIT
PHOTO: KETSIREE WONGWAN
(For Thai, press here)
Annual of Spatial Design in Japan 2023
Rikuyosha Publishing, 2023
297 x 215 mm
416 pages
Hardcover
ISBN 978-481-51001-7-9
The latest edition of the Annual of Spatial Design in Japan, published by Rikuyosha Publishing, comes with a momentous occasion: the 50th anniversary of showcasing award-winning design excellence. This hefty hardcover book, with over 400 pages, is not just a collection of award-winning designs but also a celebration of Japan’s ever-evolving landscape of spatial design.
The 2023 edition also blends the past and present. In addition to presenting the winners of the KU/KAN Design Award (established in 2000; KUKAN means space) and the Japan Sign Design Award, it is jointly organized by four professional organizations in various fields: the Japan Design Space Association, the Japan Commercial Environmental Design Association, the Japan Sign Design Association, and the Nippon Display Federation. The award-winning entries in this volume provide an overview of the latest trends and innovative approaches. There is also a special section called ‘A look back at 50 years of the Annual of Spatial Design in Japan,’ looking back on the story with covers of works from the first volume published in 1974.
The book’s strength lies in its carefully curated selection of award-winning projects encompassing various spatial design disciplines as the title suggested – Displays, Signs, and Commercial Spaces, and divided into categories including Exhibition, Promotion Space, Show Window & Visual Design, Entertainment & Creative/Artspace, Shop, Dining, Large Shopping Mall or Retail Complex, Service / Hospitality, Museum, Cultural Space, Office, Residence, and the special Sustainable Space of the Year award. The winning designs demonstrate the brilliance and sophistication that define Japanese designers. This year’s projects with innovative concepts include the Kamikatsu Zero Waste Center, 100% Arabica Coffee in Riyadh, and Yutorie Atami House
As with previous years’ award-winning compilations, the Annual of Spatial Design in Japan 2023 excels in high-quality photography. This allows readers to visualize each project’s design concepts, overall functionality, and ambiance, whether delving into specific projects or browsing for inspiration. This book is therefore not just a celebration of the field’s long history but also an inspiration for readers to imagine the possibilities that lie ahead. It pays homage to the innovation of the past five decades and serves as a promising sign for the continued evolution of spatial design in Japan. The book states, “As we move forward, it serves as a reminder of the transformative power of thoughtful design and the enduring influence of Japanese creativity on the global stage.”
For those who are interested, ‘Annual of Spatial Design in Japan 2023’ is available at the price of 7,530 THB with an additional 30 THB for shipping within Thailand at art4d Facebook inbox / tel. 02-2602606 (Only 2 items left in stock)