A new exhibition addressing two architectural movements from the 1960s and 70s – the metabolists in Japan and the radicals in Italy – has opened at the Museo Carlo Bilotti in Rome. Organised by Fondazione Italia Giappone, a group promoting and strengthening the nations’ 150-year diplomatic relationship, ‘Invisible Architecture’ compares building design in Italy and Japan at the dawn of the two conceptual movements, then surveys contemporary work from both countries.
Having sprung up amid political revolution following decades of war, metabolism and radicalism share remarkable synchronicity. Both came from a place of idealism, where utopian schemes, masterplans, living space and civic buildings were designed to ease societal shifts – even if they were rooted in distinct cultures and historical experience. Regardless, they went on to make a remarkable impression on future generations, at home and abroad.
Superstudio, Viaggio nelle Regioni della Ragione, 1968.
A highly creative architecture of purpose flourished within these stabilising societies – an attempt to gain control over a swiftly evolving landscape and rapid developments in science and technology. ‘Invisible Architecture surveys these projects through the lens of three themes: environment, technology and inhabitation. Curator Rita Elvira Adamo grew this substantial survey from a research project at London Metropolitan University, collaborating with Italian academics Cristiano Lippa and Federico Scaroni from the University of Tokyo.
Works on display include designs by Sou Fujimoto, Yamazaki Kentaro, Onishimaki + Hyakudayuki Architects, Yuko Nagayama, OFL Architecture, DAP Studio, Ian+, Studio Wok and Tipi Studio. The exhibition culminates with a large site-specific inflatable by Analogique, which meditates on the values of the two groups.
Awazu Kiyoshi, poster for the work of Kisho Kurokawa, 1970.
Strutture in Liquefazione by Archizoom, 1968.
A versatile metal frame hosts objects and images in the exhibition.
A detail of the exhibition.
Gazebo Che Guevara, by Archizoom, 1962.
Energy bridges by Ian+ 2013
The site-specific inflatable installation for the exhibition designed by Analogique
Exterior view of the Museo Carlo Bilotti, Rome, Italy with the installation
OFL Architecture, X Project, Rome, Italy, 2011
Arata Isozaki, Office Building, plan for Tokyo, with Kenzo Tange, perspective of office tower, 1960.
Master plan of Matomachi Apartments, Hiroshima, designed by Masato Otaka, 1969-78.
Nakagin Capsule Tower by Kisho Kurokawa, axonometric drawing of capsule unit at 1:20 scale, 1972.
INFORMATION
‘Invisible Architecture’ is on view until 26 March. For more information, visit the Museo Carlo Bilotti website
ADDRESS
Museo Carlo Bilotti
Aranciera di Villa Borghese
Rome
-
Milan Fashion Week Men’s A/W 2025 highlights: Dolce & Gabbana to Emporio ArmaniDespite a reduced schedule, Milan Fashion Week Men’s arrives this weekend with plenty of intrigue, beginning with high-wattage shows from Dolce & Gabbana and Emporio Armani. Wallpaper* fashion features editor Jack Moss reports from Milan
-
Rio Kobayashi’s new furniture bridges eras, shown alongside Fritz Rauh’s midcentury paintings at Blunk SpaceFurniture designer Rio Kobayashi unveils a new series, informed by the paintings of midcentury artist Fritz Rauh, at California’s Blunk Space
-
New York restaurant Locanda Verde’s second outpost will transport you to a different time and placeLocanda Verde’s expansive new Hudson Yards osteria exudes a sophisticated yet intimate atmosphere overflowing with art treasures
-
Architect Sou Fujimoto explains how the ‘idea of the forest’ is central to everythingSou Fujimoto has been masterminding the upcoming Expo 2025 Osaka for the past five years, as the site’s design producer. To mark the 2025 Wallpaper* Design Awards, the Japanese architect talks to us about 2024, the year ahead, and materiality, nature, diversity and technological advances
-
Tadao Ando: the self-taught contemporary architecture master who 'converts feelings into physical form’Tadao Ando is a self-taught architect who rose to become one of contemporary architecture's biggest stars. Here, we explore the Japanese master's origins, journey and finest works
-
The Kumagaya House in Saitama is a modest family home subdivided by a soaring interiorThis Kumagaya House is a domestic puzzle box taking the art of the Japanese house to another level as it intersects a minimal interior with exterior spaces, balconies and walkways
-
Shigeru Ban wins 2024 Praemium Imperiale Architecture AwardThe 2024 Praemium Imperiale Architecture Award goes to Japanese architect Shigeru Ban
-
Pace Tokyo is a flowing Sou Fujimoto experience that ‘guides visitors through the space’Art gallery Pace Tokyo, designed by Sou Fujimoto in a Studio Heatherwick development, opens in the Japanese capital
-
How the Arc’teryx Tokyo Creation Centre is all about craft, openness and cross-pollinationArc’teryx launches its Tokyo Creation Centre, a hub for craftsmanship designed by Torafu Architects, embodying the brand's ethos
-
Craft store Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten at Narita airport is an ode to travelThe Japanese homewear and craft store Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten wows with bright interior made of moveable ‘trunks’ by Tokyo-based studio 14sd designs
-
Space Un celebrates contemporary African art, community and connection in JapanSpace Un, a new art venue by Edna Dumas, dedicated to contemporary African art, opens in Tokyo, Japan
