DDAA's 'framed function' hotel room in tokyo is a blank canvas displaying abstract objects

DDAA designed a cube room dubbed ‘framed function’, taking part in BnA art hotel in tokyo which features rooms all produced by different artists. the place is equipped with plain white walls and a large bed that creates the feeling of a huge blank canvas, while abstract mobile objects are displayed on them. all images courtesy of kenta hasegawa

as the name suggests, the art hotel accommodates rooms designed by artists; DDAA was the only team that made a living space from architecture and interior design. the architects sought to generate a room that behaves like a painting while maintaining the necessary facilities and functions of the hotel, instead of creating art to add to the hotel functions.

the room displays no artwork, but abstracted yet functional framed objects, creating an exhibition-like experience. the largest part of the front wall is covered by pillows embedded in the wall. moreover, a table, table legs, bed tray, mirror, and indirect lighting are presented like art pieces creating a sharp contrast with the blank walls.  

based on the concept of ‘becoming a patron by staying in an artwork,’ a portion of the hotel’s accommodation fee will be given to the artist who designed the room.

project info:

name: BnA_WALL room 403 | 405 framed function

architects: DDAA

design team: daisuke motogi / kazuya sumida

client: BnA hotel

location: chuo-ku, tokyo

furniture production: E&Y / studio archē

total floor area: 42.00 sqm (452.084238 sq ft)

date of completion: march / 2021

photography: kenta hasegawa