Based on the citizens workshop that was implemented in the previous fiscal year, this fiscal year the four entities: Media Cosmos, IAMAS, RCIC, LAP (design collective of an IAMAS graduate) leveraged their knowledge to incorporate an “idea sketch” and “field work” in the workshop as a scheme to make the audience feel closer to the design process. The Media Cosmos staff and IAMAS staff made a new ingenious plan to participate in the group work from the same position as the citizens.
The citizens workshop was implemented over the span of two days, and the ideas gathered from the participants there were reflected in the designs. We proceeded in the creation of production of household goods with the furniture manufacturer “Fujikougei.”
Furthermore, photos were taken of the process of the project at all times including the state of the citizens workshop, the creation of household goods by the manufacturer “Fujikougei,” and then an exhibition was opened to the public in conjunction with the presentation of results.

▲ Workshop archive video

▲ Interview with Nobuo Yoshinari, General Producer of “Minna no Mori: Gifu Media Cosmos

The “Media Lab” that was designed this time was composed of two types of units (Unit 1, Unit 2). Since each unit had caster wheels attached and because it was easy to move them around, it goes without saying that moving them in the Media Cosmos was simple, but they could also be set up and displayed in various locations such as at an outdoor plaza, on a lawn, etc..

Unit 1 (main color: yellow) has a storage function. In the unit there are books, toys and flat packed stools and tables. When the storage door is closed the door face can be used as a whiteboard, and assembling the stored leg parts with the storage door allows for it to be used as a table as well.

Unit 2 (main color: red) has the function of being a place to broadcast information. You can use the lattice wall of the unit and attach shelving boards to the inner part, whilst also making it possible to use it as a small exhibition space. Furthermore, the unit’s base portion can be adjusted to a height to sit on, so it can also be used as a bench in an open space.

Aside from using each unit as a standalone item, through being able to assemble the units in response to a certain need they can be configured for various functions in spaces such as talk events / workshops in an open space, or as a space to sell goods. Each unit has “roof parts” etc., which are able to be installed, and the goal was to design a space that can be updated by adding parts of ideas for future play and use in the “Media Lab”.