21_21 DESIGN SIGHT

This exhibition is a collaborative research project between Sangetsu — a company that has been developing interior products to enrich people's daily lives since its founding in 1849 — and the contemporary design studio we+, which explores materials and culture through experimental design. Together, they reinterpret wall coverings from both a design and cultural perspective.

In Japan, the use of wallpaper has evolved uniquely; shaped by the country's natural environment, changes in residential styles and interactions with international cultures. Through continuous innovations in materials and manufacturing techniques, wallpaper has become an essential element of modern Japanese living spaces.

Having developed tens of thousands of wallpaper designs over the years, Sangetsu's extensive archives embody not only advanced technical expertise but also a refined aesthetic sensibility and a rich diversity of spatial expressions.

Through this exhibition, Sangetsu and we+ delve into the essence of the culture of adorning walls, tracing the evolution of materials and techniques while rediscovering the depth and beauty of Japan's wall covering culture and presenting new possibilities for the future of interior surfaces

Profile

Sangetsu Corporation
Sangetsu is a comprehensive interior company engaged in the development and sales of wall coverings, flooring materials and fabrics, as well as spatial design, planning and installation. Since its founding in 1849, the company has contributed to the creation of comfortable spaces in Japan for nearly 180 years whilst evolving with the times.
Guided by its corporate philosophy — "With all people we collaborate to create peaceful and inspirational spaces" — the company seeks to generate both economic and social value by addressing the diverse needs of customers and society.
As part of this mission, Sangetsu launched the Sangetsu Design Award in 2017, an open call for innovative wall and surface design ideas. Now in its ninth year, the competition continues to expand the boundaries of design and creativity, inviting fresh perspectives for spatial creation.

we+
we+ is a contemporary design studio based in Tokyo, founded in 2013 by Toshiya Hayashi and Hokuto Ando. Through research-based and experimental approaches, the studio gives form to new perspectives and values, exploring alternative design that coexists with the natural and social environment while embracing diverse sensibilities often overlooked in modern society.
we+ develops self-initiated, research-driven projects both in Japan and abroad, applying the insights gained to commissioned works across R&D, installations, product development, spatial design and art direction. The studio has received numerous international awards including the FRAME Awards 2024 / Designer of the Year, Wallpaper* Design Awards and Dezeen Awards. The works of we+ are also found in the collection of the Vitra Design Museum in Germany.