Three Tree: A Fusion of Tradition and Technology

Art Installation by Daisuke Nagatomo Wins Silver A' Design Award

Three Tree, an art installation by Daisuke Nagatomo, merges traditional Asian crafting techniques with digital fabrication technologies. The design, inspired by the trees surrounding the NTNU art museum, has won the prestigious Silver A' Design Award in 2021.

The installation's unique properties lie in its innovative use of bamboo dowels, traditionally used in crafting lanterns and umbrellas in Asia. The dowels are hand braided into structural columns, forming the base of the installation. The canopy is created using laser-cut acrylic pieces, showcasing a seamless blend of traditional and modern techniques.

The design's inspiration stems from the organic form of bamboo structures and the trees around the NTNU art museum. Each acrylic joint piece hosts illustrated characters, incorporating the culture of the museum's neighborhood. The installation also features a morpho-shape bench at its base, allowing visitors to rest and experience the atmosphere.

Three Tree is not just an art installation, but also a piece of street furniture. It incorporates lighting illumination, creating a dramatic lighting effect through the braided bamboo structure. The audience can enjoy this visual spectacle while taking a rest on the seating.

The project, which started in July 2020 in Taipei and finished in November 2020, is a continuous research project on how to combine traditional crafting material with digital technologies. The design faced creative challenges in negotiating the time frame and skill level difference during its development. However, the final outcome is a testament to the successful overcoming of these challenges.

Three Tree is a temporary art installation developed for an art event in Taipei. It coheres the NTNU museum neighborhood's rich cultural and ecological background, inviting visitors to discover exciting cultural exchange. The installation's recognition with a Silver A' Design Award underscores its innovative design and the successful fusion of tradition and technology.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan
Image Credits: Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan
Project Team Members: Neo Li Karen Wei Zoe Li Hua Kuo
Project Name: Three Tree
Project Client: Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan


Three Tree IMG #2
Three Tree IMG #3
Three Tree IMG #4
Three Tree IMG #5
Three Tree IMG #5

Read More on Design Radiant