Lightscape Pavilion: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

Highlighting the Unique Design and Cultural Significance of Daisuke Nagatomo's Award-Winning Installation

Located at the peak of Treasure Hill in Taipei, the Lightscape Pavilion stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of old and new, tradition and innovation. The installation, designed by Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan of MisoSoupDesign, draws inspiration from the traditional Chinese lantern, a symbol deeply rooted in Asian culture. Constructed with bamboo dowels and paper, the pavilion exudes a soft, delicate atmosphere, especially when lit in the evening.

The pavilion's design concept is not its only unique feature. Its location in an old settlement envisioned as an artist compound adds another layer of depth to its significance. The contrast between the new, innovative design of the pavilion and the old, traditional setting of the village creates an intriguing dialogue that visitors can experience firsthand.

Creating the Lightscape Pavilion was not without its challenges. The most significant of these was determining the structural capability of the hollow bamboo columns. After several prototypes and intensive structural tests, a weaving bamboo dowels structural system was configured. This not only solidified the design but also served as a nod to the traditional inheritance of Asian culture.

The Lightscape Pavilion is a shining example of how digital fabrication tools can be utilized for full-scale architectural assembly. By incorporating standardized dowels for most of the structural members, the digitally fabricated acrylic joints played a major role in forming the organic shape of the structure. This experimental project proposes a local solution to the global digital fabrication phenomenon.

The Lightscape Pavilion's unique design and cultural significance have not gone unnoticed. In 2015, it was awarded the Golden A' Lighting Products and Fixtures Design Award, a prestigious accolade granted to outstanding creations that advance art, science, design, and technology. This recognition further cements the Lightscape Pavilion's place as a marvel of design and a beacon of cultural dialogue and innovation.