Red Wave: A Harmonious Blend of Art and Functionality

Maiko Mochizuki and Rei Nishitani's Award-Winning Entrance Design for IGAS 2022

Maiko Mochizuki and Rei Nishitani's "Red Wave" is an embodiment of the rich colors brought to life by advanced printing technology. The design, inspired by the "rich red" made possible by technology and the "movement of our heart" that is moved by it, serves as a gateway to emotion. The entrance gate, with its precise gradation of colors creating the brightest red in the center, is a functional expression of the emotional journey that awaits the visitors.

The "Red Wave" was installed as the entrance structure for IGAS 2022, a comprehensive international exhibition for the printing and related industries. The design's energetic red color and fluid form symbolize the exhibition's enthusiasm and active business negotiations, undeterred by the stagnant conditions caused by the pandemic. This unique design combines the beauty of an artwork with the functionality of an entrance gate.

The realization of the "Red Wave" involved the use of a wrinkle-free fabric for striped molding, which allows the graphic design to show through on both sides even when printed on one side. The red colors, all slightly different, along with the lighting effects, provide further color variation and movement. The fabric served not only as decoration but also as a fixation for the foundation, minimizing the number of columns and combining beauty with reduced environmental impact.

The "Red Wave" had a special presence as it was installed on the main street of Tokyo Big Sight, the venue for the show. It was used not only as the name of the entrance but also as a design concept for the special exhibition area, guidance signs, online contents, etc., within the venue, providing a sense of unity and reducing visitors' stress of moving around.

The design process involved extensive research and examination of the design of IGAS 2022 to preserve its brand. The designers focused their research on creating a continuous structure like the architecture of the Tokyo Big Sight and on integrating the conflicting shapes of straight and curved lines into a single form. The biggest challenge was defining the presence of this entrance, which was finally achieved through repeated trial and error in design, resulting in a dynamic and organically beautiful entrance design.

The "Red Wave" was awarded the Golden A' Trade Show Architecture, Interiors, and Exhibit Design Award in 2023. This prestigious award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.