While architecture is best enjoyed when it is in the form of a full-scale building or structure standing in front of you, the architectural models created to help guide the vision of the full-scale projects can provide a certain beauty, as well. And a new museum in Tokyo plans on showcasing the artistic merit found in these small-scale models while also providing a practical benefit to architects working in the spatially challenged city.
Archi-Depot, which claims to be Japan’s only architectural model museum, allows architects to display study maquettes and final design models to the public, Dezeen reports. The studios pay to rent any of the 116 display shelves to place their models, at once displaying their work to the public while also opening up precious space in what are often very cramped offices.
In order to keep the models in pristine condition, the gallery features carefully maintained temperature and humidity conditions and LED lighting to prevent the models from fading or disfiguring.
QR codes next to each model allow visitors to learn more about each project and Archi-Depot encourages the firms to rotate their models every few months to keep the display from growing stale.
Large scale models of Kengo Kuma’s Aix en Provence Conservatory of Music, a university campus by Riken Yamamoto, and a tree-surrounded school by Kazuhiro Kojima and Kazuko Akamatsu are all on display in the museum. Torafu Architects, Klein Dytham Architecture, Nikken Sekkei, and Sandwich also have work on display.
The gallery, which was launched by Warehouse Terrada, opened in June 2016.
Related Stories
Museums | Apr 23, 2015
Moshe Safdie unveils pentagonal scheme for National Medal of Honor Museum
The new museum near Charleston, S.C., will archive the history of the nation's highest military honorees.
Museums | Apr 22, 2015
Check out Ralph Johnson's stunning nature-inspired Shanghai museum
The newly opened Shanghai Natural History Museum, designed by Perkins+Will’s Global Design Director Ralph Johnson, mimics the shape of a nautilus shell, and features natural elements throughout.
Museums | Apr 16, 2015
SANAA and Snøhetta tie at first place for Budapest museum bid
The two firms submitted designs for the New National Gallery and Ludwig Museum, one of five planned museums to be constructed in a park just outside the urban center of Hungary’s capital.
Sponsored | Fire-Rated Products | Apr 14, 2015
Fire resistive curtain wall brings maximum light, views and safety to Aspen Art Museum
The curtain wall used for the Shigeru Ban-designed museum provides maximum daylight while protecting the art from fire
Museums | Apr 10, 2015
Henning Larsen Architects designs timber museum extension in Sweden
The new extension will complement Österund’s wooded surroundings
Building Team Awards | Apr 10, 2015
14 projects that push AEC teaming to the limits
From Lean construction to tri-party IPD to advanced BIM/VDC coordination, these 14 Building Teams demonstrate the power of collaboration in delivering award-winning buildings. These are the 2015 Building Team Award winners.
Building Team Awards | Apr 9, 2015
9/11 museum triumphs over controversy
The Building Team for this highly visible project had much more than design, engineering, and construction problems to deal with.
High-rise Construction | Mar 16, 2015
Mexican Museum tower caught in turmoil to break ground this summer in San Francisco
Millennium Partners said it will break ground on the 53-story residential and museum tower while the lawsuits go through the appeals process.
Museums | Mar 9, 2015
Architecture based on astronomy principles for new planetarium in Shanghai
The ancient Chinese civilization left some of the earliest records of humans studying the stars and skies. To exhibit this long history, a new planetarium and astronomy museum is planned for construction in Shanghai.
Museums | Mar 5, 2015
A giant, silver loop in Dubai will house the Museum of the Future
The Sheikh of Dubai hopes the $136 million museum will serve as an incubator for ideas and real designs—a global destination for inventors and entrepreneurs.