tokyo's WHAT museum exhibits engineering marvels with SENSE OF STRUCTURE

illuminating the Hidden Art of Structural Design

The WHAT Museum in Tokyo has unveiled its most ambitious architectural exhibition yet: ‘SENSE OF STRUCTURE: From Horyuji Temple To The Universe.’ The show sheds light on the often-overlooked field of structural design, the invisible force that brings architects’ visions to life.

While Japan is home to renowned architects, the critical role of structural engineers remains under-recognized. This exhibition aims to change that. Through a collection of over one-hundred intricate models, from timber to textile, visitors gain a newfound appreciation for how structural engineers translate an architect’s concept into a standing structure. These models grapple with the fundamental forces — gravity, wind — that shape our built environment.

The exhibition doesn’t overwhelm visitors with technical terms. Instead, by interacting with these physical models, viewers gain an intuitive understanding of the principles and mechanics that underpin architectural marvels. SENSE OF STRUCTURE will be on view at WHAT Museum from April 26th until August 25th, 2024.

WHAT MUSEUM exhibition view, SENSE OF STRUCTURE: From Horyuji Temple To The Universe
image © designboom (banner image © ToLoLo studio)

a celebration of timber structure at ‘what museum’

The second half of the exhibition focuses on wood, a natural and increasingly popular building material. From Japan’s time-tested techniques to cutting-edge innovations, the exhibition explores the history and future potential of wooden structures. A highlight is a massive 1/10th scale model of the five-storied pagoda at Horyuji Temple, towering at an impressive 3.6 meters. Another display features the timber framework model of Matsumoto Castle’s keep. These, alongside other interactive models, allow visitors to grasp the scale and ingenuity of these wooden structures.

explore 1,400 years of wooden architecture, from tradition to sustainable future | image © designboom

From Fashion to Space Exploration

SENSE OF STRUCTURE demonstrates the far-reaching influence of structural design. The exhibition showcases cross-disciplinary projects that bridge the gap between structural design and seemingly disparate fields like fashion and space exploration. One such example is the premiere showing of a full-scale model lunar base camp, designed for human habitation. This innovative project is the brainchild of a collaboration between JAXA, the Japanese space agency, and renowned structural engineer Jun Sato and his team.

The exhibition also honors over fifty structural engineers, both established names and rising stars, who are shaping the future of the built environment. Visitors will encounter inspiring examples of innovative collaborations between structural design and fashion, including the work of HOMME PLISSÉ ISSEY MIYAKE.

the new Tokyo exhibition SENSE OF STRUCTURE celebrates the heroes of structural design | image © designboom

A Multi-faceted Exploration of engineering

Divided into four distinct sections — Future of Traditional Architecture and Wooden Structures, New Generation of Structural Engineers, Expanding the Scope of Structural Design, and To Outer Space — the exhibition brings a comprehensive exploration of this often-mysterious field. Complementing the static displays will be a program of talks, workshops, and performances throughout its run. SENSE OF STRUCTURE promises to be an enlightening and engaging experience for architects, design lovers and curious minds alike.

over 100 models showcase the engineering that shapes our built world | image © designboom
the exhibition premieres a full-scale model of a moon base designed for human habitation | image © designboom