‘Paper Clouds: Materiality in Empty Space’
Japan Pavilion, The Nelson Stair, London Design Biennale, 5-29 June 2025
‘Paper Clouds: Materiality in Empty Space’ is a Japanese poem to The Nelson Stair, and to the surface textures, translucency, lightness and inner strength of Washi paper. Designed by SEKISUI HOUSE – KUMA LAB (The University of Tokyo) and curated by Clare Farrow, founder of Clare Farrow Studio, the project is an experiment in design materiality, music and fashion with violinist and composer Midori Komachi, and a meeting of Tokyo and London.
Inspired by Suyari-Gasumi, a Japanese art technique where empty space holds its own materiality like mist, the project explores our connection to nature. The suspended cloud-structure has been made from plant-fibre and wood pulps, sprayed and moulded using digital technology, handcraft and delicate threads. It embodies the theme of Surface Reflections, encouraging reflection on the way surfaces communicate.
KUMA LAB’s first costume design features a Washi paper dress for Komachi, testing the material’s flexibility and durability. The dress, inspired by traditional Japanese armour, is paired with Mikimoto pearls.
The project also offers educational opportunities for musicians and designers, incorporating ancient construction methods and unique materials like golden kimono thread. Komachi’s composition, recorded at Goldsmiths, features the sounds of Washi paper interacting with the body, inspired by the Japanese concept of Sawari—the distinctive sound created by friction on surfaces. A workshop with London Music Fund’s Senior Scholars, using graphic scores and improvisation, will lead to solo performances in The Nelson Stair.
Curator:
Clare Farrow, Clare Farrow Studio
Designer:
SEKISUI HOUSE – KUMA LAB
Project Leader for the KUMA LAB:
Toshiki Hirano
Violinist and Composer, dressed by the KUMA LAB with jewellery by Mikimoto:
Midori Komachi
Music Partner:
London Music Fund (Senior Scholars)
Structural Designer, The University of Tokyo:
Yoshihiro Fukushima
Project Team Member, The University of Tokyo:
Satoru Kazamatsuri
Lighting Designers:
Ed Elbourne and Sam Porter-Frakes on behalf of Arup
Recording Musicians:
Laonikos Psimikakis Chalkokondylis (Shakuhachi)
Valerie Welbanks (Cello)
Sound Engineers:
Adam Barkley (Installation) and Joy Stacey (Recording)
Project Manager:
Clare Farrow Studio
Sponsors:
Mikimoto
Mineral Sound (Sound Sponsor and new Stone Speakers)
Supporters:
Supported using public funding by Arts Council England
Arup (Lighting)
Awagami Factory (Technical Support)
JSPS Kakenhi Grant
POLA Art Foundation
The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation
The Hinrichsen Foundation