metote-lab is a project revolving around deaf people, the hard-of-hearing and CODA (children of deaf adults) who converse via visual language (Japanese sign language). It aims to create a forum for organic development (“emergence”) from the starting point of the physical sensibilities and language of the individual. Since 2024 the project has seen the full-fledged launch of a DeafSpace Research Team, whose DeafSpace Design focus has been the familiar and intimate living space of the home.
DeafSpace Design refers to spatial design which incorporates the sensory, unique behavioral and cultural preferences of deaf people. This exhibition uses photographs, images, and video to introduce two households inhabited by deaf people and their families, exploring the DeafSpace Design features that create “comfortable space.”
In 2023, the exhibition’s venue 5005 was the first space in Japan to be renovated and modified according to DeafSpace Design concepts. The exhibition and program of talks will encourage visitors to rethink/increase their understanding of the richness of deaf people’s physical sensibilities and behaviors.
Date: Wednesday, February 26 – Sunday, March 2, 2025, 10:00-20:00（Last entry 19:30）
Venue: 5005
About participation: No reservations required, Free admission
During the exhibition period, organizers will hold three talk shows with guests. Anyone may apply.
Talk 1: The path to achieving a vision-oriented home
Yoko Yuyama is the owner of a house introduced in this exhibition. We hear her experiences of “building a house as a deaf person,” including how she communicated with her hearing architect, and the modifications and adaptations involved in creating her home.
Date: Saturday, March 1, 2025, 11:00-12:30
Guest: Yoko Yuyama (Community Builder)
Talk 2: When Architecture Meets DeafSpace
Contemporary architecture is in a state of flux, with requirements changing from homogenous design to construction based on individual needs. In this talk we explore the potential of DeafSpace Design within this trend.
Date: Saturday, March 1, 2025, 13:30-15:00
Guest: Shinichi Kawakatsu (Architecture Curator/Representative, Kenchiku Center CoAK)
Talk 3: Architecture from the Deaf Perspective – Past, Present, and Future
Even before the term DeafSpace Design was coined, deaf people had used a variety of modifications to make their living spaces more comfortable. From a time when it was difficult for deaf people to own a suitable home to the present, how has architecture and housing design changed, and how will it change going forward? Together with two deaf people who specialize in architecture, we think about the transformations that come with the changing times.
Date: Sunday, March 2, 2025, 13:30-15:00
Guests: Jin Iwaizumi (Representative, East Japan Architectural Association of Japanese Deaf)
Yuichiro Sugiyama (PhD (Engineering), 1st-class Kenchikushi (government-certified architect))
Moderator: Megumi Fukushima (DeafSpace Design researcher)
Venue: 5005
Capacity: 20 people per session
About participation：Free admission, First-come-first-served basis
How to reserve: Please apply using the form here.
Application deadline: Friday, February 21, 2025
*Reservations closed because the enrollment limit is reached.
*Program details are subject to change.
*Personal information will be handled as strictly confidential and used only for the operation of this event and to send you information from the organizer.
General Incorporated Association ooo
E-mail: ooo.institute@gmail.com
5005
1-A Noguchi Building, Yanaka 3-24-1, Taito-ku,〒110-0001 Tokyo Five minutes’ walk from Nishi-Nippori Station.
metote-lab
Throughout the year
5005 1-A Noguchi Building, Yanaka 3-24-1, Taito-ku,〒110-0001 Tokyo Five minutes’ walk from Nishi-Nippori Station.
Art Project, Others
metote-lab
Saturday, February 1, 2025
5005
Art Project, Workshop, Others
metote-lab
Thursday, December 26, 2024
5005 1-A Noguchi Building, Yanaka 3-24-1, Taito-ku,〒110-0001 Tokyo Five minutes’ walk from Nishi-Nippori Station.
Art Project, Workshop, Others
metote-lab
Sunday, November 24,2024 14:00 -16:00（Open13：45）
5005 1-A Noguchi Building, Yanaka 3-24-1, Taito-ku,〒110-0001 Tokyo Five minutes’ walk from Nishi-Nippori Station.
Art Project, Workshop, Others
metote-lab
Sunday, August 25,2024 14:00 -16:00（Open13：45）
5005 1-A Noguchi Building, Yanaka 3-24-1, Taito-ku,〒110-0001 Tokyo Five minutes’ walk from Nishi-Nippori Station.
Art Project, Workshop, Others
metote-lab
Sunday, July 7,2024 and Monday, July 15, 2024 10:00 -12:00
5005 1-A Noguchi Building, Yanaka 3-24-1, Taito-ku,〒110-0001 Tokyo Five minutes’ walk from Nishi-Nippori Station.
Art Project, Workshop, Others
