Kazuyo Sejima

Kazuyo Sejima

#Another Layer of Surface

WUZHEN, CHINA

Kazuyo Sejima is an architect whose visionary work transcends the boundaries of traditional design. Born near Tokyo in 1956, Sejima was captivated by architecture from a young age, inspired by the work of Kazuo Shinohara. After studying at Japan Women's University and working with Toyo Ito, she founded her own studio in 1987. Teaming up with Ryue Nishizawa in 1995, they formed SANAA, creating iconic structures like the New Museum of New York City and the Louvre-Lens in France. Sejima's philosophy emphasizes the transient nature of architecture and its relationship with human action.

In Kazuyo Sejima's installation 'Another Layer of Surface Water,' mirror-polished chairs hover above the ground, creating the illusion of a serene pool. Reflecting the surrounding trees and sky, the chairs add to the outdoor space with a surreal, aquatic ambience, blurring the boundaries between reality and illusion. Visitors are invited to engage with the installation by sitting on the chairs, allowing them to immerse themselves in the reflective landscape and experience a moment of relaxation amidst the shimmering waters.

In collaboration with the artist, we helped fabricate and finish 100 of these sculptures. The seat surface was made of aluminium and mirror-polished. The stainless steel seat legs, which were also polished, were welded to the seats.

Image Credit: Wuzhen Government, Kazuyo Sejima, Rex Zou and UAP 

#Services provided

Consultancy

Temporary Program
Decommissioning
Material Exploration
Construction Methods
Installation Methodology

Manufacturing

Technical Drawings
Welding & Fabrication
Finishing & Patina
Installation Methodology

Preservation

#Project summary

Creative

Kazuyo Sejima

Artwork Title

Another Layer of Surface

Project

Art Wuzhen

Client

Wuzhen Tourism

Year

2019

Location

Wuzhen, China

Build

UAP

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