Experience Design Beyond the Gallery: 'Home-Home' Redefines Exhibition Spaces
A Unique Setting for Creative Expression: The Bundle Gallery House as an Exhibition Venue
The design collective Akasaki & Vanhuyse orchestrated the 'Home-Home' art display, presenting the creations of sixteen designers and artists within a striking modernist dwelling located in Chiba, Japan. This particular residence, known as the Bundle Gallery house, was completed in 1974 and envisioned by Japanese architect Ren Suzuki, who gained experience collaborating with Le Corbusier in the 1950s before returning to his home country. The exhibition featured a blend of local and global design talents, with some artists making their debut showcase in Japan.
Exploring the Essence of Home: A Curatorial Vision
Astrid Vanhuyse, co-founder of Akasaki & Vanhuyse, articulated the intention behind the 'Home-Home' initiative, describing it as a self-initiated showcase uniting designers with connections to Japan. The curatorial team sought to delve into the multifaceted notion of 'home'—perceiving it as both a starting point and a destination. Their goal was to ignite a conversation among the displayed artworks, the architectural framework, and the personal narratives woven into these creations.
Intimacy and Connection: The Power of a Residential Exhibition Space
The exhibition unfolded across five distinct areas within the house, a deliberate choice by the curators who were drawn to its inherently personal atmosphere. Kenta Akasaki, the other co-founder of Akasaki & Vanhuyse, emphasized how the house's setting resonated with their interest in blending Japanese design aesthetics with modernist principles. He noted that the domestic environment imparted a sense of intimacy and individuality to the exhibition, offering a refreshing departure from the conventional, impersonal 'white cube' gallery experience.
Harmonious Integration: Artworks and Architecture in Dialogue
Akasaki and Vanhuyse meticulously arranged the diverse pieces throughout the Bundle Gallery, striving for a seamless integration that complemented the house's notable design elements, including a prominent hexagonal fireplace. Among the exhibits was the studio's own WA Lamp, ingeniously crafted from repurposed components of decommissioned Tokyo trains. The showcase also highlighted works from a roster of acclaimed designers, such as Alexandra Gerber, Kohei Kojima, Rikako Nagashima, and the duo Wade and Leta.
A Community of Creatives: The Organic Genesis of Collaborations
Vanhuyse elaborated on the organic formation of the participating group, which emerged through existing friendships and ongoing dialogues with designers who share a bond with Japan. The selection process spanned various creative disciplines, encompassing furniture, product design, visual art, and photography, and included artists from different generations. A common thread uniting all participants was their acute sensitivity to context within their respective works.
Innovative Displays: Rethinking Presentation with Repurposed Materials
The exhibition's offerings included a wide array of items, from lighting fixtures and furniture to fine art and household goods, all thoughtfully integrated within the existing gallery interior. Akasaki & Vanhuyse demonstrated their ingenuity by constructing custom display structures using aluminum pallets. These versatile pallets were stacked in various configurations to create functional pieces like a coffee table, a dining table, and a daybed adorned with cushions, further enhancing the immersive experience.
Beyond Conventional Spaces: The Rising Trend of Experiential Exhibitions
The concept of presenting design in unconventional venues, such as the Bundle Gallery—which is typically not open to the public—has gained traction in recent years, a trend notably observed during Milan Design Week in 2025. While this approach remains relatively uncommon in Japan, Akasaki & Vanhuyse firmly believe that such formats can cultivate truly memorable experiences for visitors.
An Authentic Encounter: Design and Architecture in Synergy
Akasaki concluded by highlighting the enriched experience these types of shows offer, allowing visitors to appreciate both the exhibited works and the architectural environment simultaneously. He noted that while Japan boasts numerous stores and cultural institutions with distinctive, authentic atmospheres, design exhibitions in such settings are still a rarity, underscoring the unique value of the 'Home-Home' initiative.