Project Summary
Aqua-scape was a cocoon like urban folly or hide out designed and constructed by the Japanese designers Ryumei Fujiki and Fujiki Studio. The lightweight architectural structure created especially for Beam was constructed in Toyko and installed in the gardens of Wakefield’s historic Orangery.

The Aqua-scape design was inspired by diverse sources such as origami and jellyfish, the principles of folding paper were adapted to folding plastic. To support this structure the Beam Gallery displayed an exhibition about Ryumei Fujiki and his architectural practice, which is often inspired by nature.

“ It has been a delight for Beam to work with Ryumei Fujki and his remarkable students and colleagues on Aquascape, and to be able to offer the first UK venue for Fujiki Studio. Ryumei’s interests and practice contain key themes that are important in the early 21st century, and it has been exciting to reveal and explore them in the double context of a 19th century Orangery garden located in a small post-industrial city, Wakefield, which is seeking new ways to face the future.”

Robert Powell, Creative Director Beam.

What did we do?

The Aquascape structure and exhibition was installed in June 2009 by Ryumei Fujiki and 5 of his students from Japan. Over the course two months Beam and Fujiki Studios delivered a number of activities and events including; a private view, family open day, student work placement and eventing lecture.

The project received funding from: Arts Council England, The Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation, the Sasakawa Foundation, The Japan Society and The Japan Foundation.