The Aqua Scape the Orangery Version is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of Fujiki Architectural Design Studio. The design was inspired by the boneless structures of a jellyfish and a small shrimp. This inspiration led to the creation of a soft and boneless architecture, made entirely of plastic materials. The design is a unique blend of form and function, with a double skin system that distinguishes it from its predecessor, the first version of Aqua Scape.
The design's unique properties lie in its construction. The outer skin is made of a transparent 2mm thick polycarbonate sheet, while the inner skin is a net structural 10mm thick cushion made of tubular polyethylene fiber. This net structural cushion, a material typically used for bed cushions, was chosen for its three-dimensional spring structure. The design also employs the Origami technique, giving it a form resistance structure.
The Aqua Scape the Orangery Version is more than just a design; it's a space for children. The design's size, 1.5m in width, 1.5m in height, and 4m in length, allows only children to enter, making it a unique and engaging space for them. The design was exhibited at the Beam Gallery in Wakefield, England, where it brought smiles to the faces of many children.
The design process was not without its challenges. The concept of creating a soft and boneless architecture using only plastic materials was a daunting task. The design team had to overcome numerous obstacles, including finding a material that was light yet strong enough to support the structure. After many trials and errors, the team found the solution in a net structural cushion. However, to maintain the shape of the cushion, the team had to introduce compressive force to the material in advance by connecting the vertices of the fold lines with a tension material.
The Aqua Scape the Orangery Version is a testament to the innovative spirit of Fujiki Architectural Design Studio. The design has been recognized with a Silver A' Fine Arts and Art Installation Design Award in 2022, a prestigious accolade awarded to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation. This design is a shining example of how architecture can push the boundaries of creativity and function.
Project Designers: Ryumei Fujiki and Yukiko Sato
Image Credits: Fujiki Studio, KOU::ARC
Project Team Members: ARCHITECT: Ryumei Fujiki, Yukiko Sato, DESIGN FIRM: F.A.D.S + Fujiki Studio, KOU::ARC, TEAM MEMBERS: Masahiro Hoshida
Takehito Kusanagi
Kenta Ochiai
Aki Sakai
Kazuhiro Shimura
Soh Kurihara
Itaru Morimoto
Keiya Sakashita
Shuya Tasaki
Project Name: Aqua Scape the Orangery Version
Project Client: Ryumei Fujiki and Yukiko Sato