shizuoka craftsmanship shines through UO’s monument at historic japanese hotel

UO pays homage to Shizuoka heritage through monument design

Japanese studio UO unveils the Nakajimaya Crossing monument, which stands prominently in the lobby of a historic hotel in Shizuoka City, Japan. This city, once a thriving castle town around 400 years ago, became known for its skilled craftsmen and diverse artisanal techniques. UO’s design pays homage to the rich heritage of the area by integrating traditional crafts into elongated metal frames, which are then layered and stacked to form the structure.

The installation consists of a central tower in the lobby, four wall-mounted pieces behind the front desk, and decorative elements above the hotel’s main entrance, all adhering to a unified design principle. Each of the four featured crafts is presented within individual frames, while intersections where different techniques are used to create unique, three-dimensional expressions. For example, the merging of ocha-zome, a piece of fabric dyed with tea leaves, and take-sensuji, bamboo strips arranged with precision, results in a woven textile that combines both materials. These intersections symbolize the hotel’s role as a space where diverse people and expertise converge.

local artisans collaborate in Nakajimaya Crossing monument

The Nakajimaya Crossing monument serves as a decorative centerpiece, embodying the collaboration of four artisans who typically work independently. Under UO’s direction, their techniques are combined in ways that transcend traditional boundaries, yielding innovative results. The process of collaboration introduces these craftsmen to new methods, enhancing their skills and broadening their creative horizons. The Japanese studio’s design philosophy extends beyond the monument itself, influencing future projects such as furniture and room keys. This approach aims to establish a cohesive visual identity throughout the hotel, enriching the guest experience through a design language rooted in the fusion of traditional crafts. 

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project info:

name: Nakajimaya Crossing
designer: UO | @uo_hamamatsu
location: Shizuoka City, Japan

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