AS IT IS - EQUILIBRIUM FLOWER exhibition by TAKT PROJECT at 5Vie - Photo by Takumi Ota, courtesy of TAKT PROJECT.

AS IT IS – EQUILIBRIUM FLOWER exhibition by TAKT PROJECT at 5Vie – Photos by Takumi Ota, courtesy of TAKT PROJECT.

Design – Tokyo-based studio TAKT PROJECT filled the Church of San Bernardino alle Monache in the 5Vie design district in Milan with soft knitted fabric objects standing on their own, just barely balanced. Titled AS IT IS – EQUILIBRIUM FLOWER, the exhibition attempts “to spread countless man-made objects, like a Japanese flower arrangement ‘ikebana’ that finds balance with the atmosphere and gives a harmonious feel to it.” TAKT PROJECT founder Satoshi Yoshiizumi told Archipanic.

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AS IT IS - EQUILIBRIUM FLOWER exhibition by TAKT PROJECT at 5Vie - Photo by Takumi Ota, courtesy of TAKT PROJECT.

The studio used a self-developed knitted fabric that hardens when heated. By heating it partially, structural rigidity and the soft texture of textiles coexist, creating a delicate balance between the cloth trying to outspread and the hardened supporting structure. The installation evokes the vitality of a bud on the verge of flowering in the harmonic state of equilibrium with the surrounding environment.

AS IT IS - EQUILIBRIUM FLOWER exhibition by TAKT PROJECT at 5Vie - Photo by Takumi Ota, courtesy of TAKT PROJECT.

“The world is still in a difficult situation since 2020, represented by the global pandemic and the Ukraine crisis. In response to such situations, my mind naturally turned to flowers that bloom in beautiful equilibrium with others. I hope humans and the world, including man-made things, can create such a beautiful equilibrium.”

AS IT IS - EQUILIBRIUM FLOWER exhibition by TAKT PROJECT at 5Vie - Photo by Takumi Ota, courtesy of TAKT PROJECT.

“It is unnatural for a designed artifact to be separated from nature. The central feature of this work is its ephemeral nature. Another of my great interests is the fusion of such concept and new technology.” TAKT PROJECT imagined knitting techniques as a primitive form of 3D printing.

AS IT IS - EQUILIBRIUM FLOWER exhibition by TAKT PROJECT at 5Vie - Photo by Takumi Ota, courtesy of TAKT PROJECT.

“The fusion of technology and concept is important in considering the direction in which man-made objects should develop. Technology does not have its own direction but is an immaculate white canvas that can be used in any way. I believe that the role of design is to consider that direction.”

AS IT IS - EQUILIBRIUM FLOWER exhibition by TAKT PROJECT at 5Vie - Photo by Takumi Ota, courtesy of TAKT PROJECT.

Photos by Takumi Ota, courtesy of TAKT PROJECT.

AS IT IS - EQUILIBRIUM FLOWER exhibition by TAKT PROJECT at 5Vie - Photo by Takumi Ota, courtesy of TAKT PROJECT.

AS IT IS - EQUILIBRIUM FLOWER exhibition by TAKT PROJECT at 5Vie - Photo by Takumi Ota, courtesy of TAKT PROJECT.