MAD Architects Reinvigorates the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel With Artistic Spaces
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MAD Architects has completed the restoration of the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel in Japan’s Niigata prefecture, creating a string of artistic spaces along the historic lookout tunnel. The “Tunnel of Light,” intended to bring back the cultural energy that once e
MAD Architects Reinvigorates the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel With Artistic Spaces
MAD Architects has completed the restoration of the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel in Japan’s Niigata prefecture, creating a string of artistic spaces along the historic lookout tunnel. The “Tunnel of Light,” intended to bring back the cultural energy that once empowered the region, opened on the occasion of the 2018 Echigo-Tsumari Triennale.The Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel is a historic, 750-meter passageway that cuts through distinctive rock formations, offering panoramic views over one of Japan’s three great chasms. The firm draws on the ‘five elements’ of nature (wood, earth, metal, fire, and water) to create architectural spaces and artistic atmospheres along the historic tunnel. The design seeks to reconnect locals and visitors alike with the majestic beauty of the land.The wood element is used in a small wooden ‘hut’ with a circular aperture — the “Periscope” — in the ceiling opening up towards the roof. “Encircled by mirrored lenses that reflect the nature of the surrounding site inwards, the subtle intervention gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy the natural scenery outdoors, while they have a foot bath and relax within the warmth of the wooden interior,” describes MAD Architects. The hut serves as a cafe and souvenir shop.The earth element is embodied in “The Expression” of the space, the vibrancy of the newly renovated passage, combined with mysterious music, and illuminated with a series of colored lights, set a subtle but dynamic ambiance sparking curiosity of the unknown. The “Invisible Bubble,” the first of the lookout point renovations, is an embodiment of the metal element. “As if landing from another world, the capsule-like structure gently mirrors the silhouette of the tunnel itself, while reflecting its surroundings. Functioning as a toilet, the wall which faces towards the gorge is transparent. This exterior window is covered in a metallic film that only allows one-way views from the inside out, playing with the notion of public and private,” writes MAD Architects.‘Dew drops’ scattered along the curvature of the second lookout point, bring in the fire element. Created with numerous convex mirrors backlit by fiery, red light, “The Drop” invites the visitors to experience an alternative connection with nature — one that is at once mysterious and warm.The water element is represented through the “Light Cave.” “Semi-polished stainless steel lines the tunnel, drawing the distinct rock formations, lush greenery, and turquoise water of the treasured terrain, into the enclosed space. A shallow pool of water gently ripples with the breeze of the wind. In turn, the images of the gorge reflected from the cave cast themselves onto the water — an infinite illusion of nature. The essence of the «Light Cave» brings both a lightness and stillness into the once dark, dewy tunnel, invoking a feeling of everlasting solitude,” describes MAD Architects.http://www.blouinartinfo.com/ Founder: Louise Blouin Read more
