Porous Manifold: A Breathing Japanese Tearoom

Architects Ryumei Fujiki and Yukiko Sato Redefine Homogeneous Space

The Porous Manifold is a nested structure, embedding a two-tatami space within a ten-foot square. The design is a response to the challenge of overcoming homogeneous space, a concept that has been prevalent in architecture. The structure distorts this homogeneous space, creating irregularities through a random pattern skeleton. This results in an "art-tecture" with numerous holes that can open and close as needed, allowing the structure to interact with its external environment like a living organism.

The structure is a hybrid of spruce CLT panels and plastic materials, processed using digital fabrication technology. The dimensions of the structure, 2730mm in width, depth, and height, are referred to as a "Jo" in traditional Japanese measurements. The design was exhibited in the "Hojoki Shiki in 2018: The Universe of Ten Foot Square Huts by Architects and Artists" during the Echigo-tsumari Art Triennale 2018 in Niigata Prefecture, Japan.

Upon entering the Porous Manifold, the structure responds to the presence of people. The many holes, referred to as "Breathing Pleats," begin to open and close in response to human movement, giving the impression that the structure is breathing. This interaction between the architecture and its occupants is a unique feature of the design, further blurring the boundaries between the internal and external environments.

The design process involved extensive research into the concept of "heterogeneous space." The architects studied this from a geometrical viewpoint, exploring the idea of distorting homogeneous space to create irregularities. This approach was inspired by the random patterns found in various shapes and phenomena in nature, specifically the Voronoi Division. The result is a structure that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also responsive and energy-efficient.

The Porous Manifold design was awarded Silver in the A' Fine Arts and Art Installation Design Award in 2019. This prestigious award recognizes top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation. The design was lauded for its strong technical characteristics, artistic skill, and its ability to evoke positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.