The IAA Professor Kengo Kuma has collaborated with global smart phone brand OPPO to create a large outdoor installation at 2019 London Design Festival. The project is called “Bamboo Ring: Weaving into Lightness” and is installed in the John Madejski Garden at the V&A Museum for the duration of the festival.
As this year’s edition of the London Design Festival celebrates smart technology and innovation, OPPO’s partnership focuses on exploring the integration of innovative technology, nature and design to create beautiful art and unique experiences for people.
Created by weaving 2m-diameter rings of bamboo and carbon fiber together, the resulting effect achieves a certain rigidity while maintaining the unique material properties and beauty of bamboo – a remarkable, sustainable material that resonates with Kuma’s childhood memories and looks into the future of architecture. The Bamboo Ring is intended to be a catalyst for weaving people and place together.
“Working on this project with OPPO has been a very interesting experience. OPPO London Design Centre share a mutual interest and passion for the exploration of the integration of technology and natural materials. Using both bamboo and carbon fiber in the installation allows us to create an installation that fits into the landscape around it. OPPO likes to push the boundaries in innovative design to allow users to enjoy the beauty of technology, and this is how I create my work; the constant exploration of new materials, forms and environments. ‘Bamboo (竹) Ring: Weaving into Lightness’ is an adventurous exploration of this topic.”, says Kengo Kuma.
https://www.archdaily.com/925110/kengo-kuma-unveils-bamboo-ring-at-2019-london-design-festival#