This is a laboratory project revolving around deaf people, the hard-of-hearing and CODA (children of deaf adults) who converse via visual language (Japanese sign language). It is aimed at creating a forum (a “home”) for emergence from the starting point of the physical sensibilities and “language” of the individual. metote-lab implements a variety of projects with the theme of cultivating a natural culture consisting of visual language.

This time around, we are making use of the working space “5005” which is based around sign language and visual language. As part of efforts to promote and communicate a “a culture generated organically from the ground up, through the use of the eyes and hands,” we are starting an experimental initiative to open the metote hub to the community in a project called “Doors-Open Day at 5005.”

DeafSpace is an environment designed to make Deaf people comfortable, based on the physical sensibilities of sign language; a space where they can relax and watch movies and videos, sit and take a break, or chat with staff. Why not try opening up your senses by focusing on the visual language found in everyday life?