Photos: Inside the Japan Unlayered Exhibit

Kengo Kuma, Beams and Muji take over Vancouver

We’ve been not-so-patiently waiting for the Muji pop-up shop since December, and now it’s finally arrived (along with Kengo Kuma and Beams!) at the Japan Unlayered exhibit happening at the Fairmont Pacific Rim.The exhibit, curated by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, draws on the natural environment, simple-yet-effective design and the philosophy of layering. And though the Muji pop-up requires a reservation and cash to spend, the rest of the exhibition is free to the public. Here’s a look at our favourite things on display:(Photo: Ema Peter)The water bonsai welcomes visitors at the entrance, subtly hinting at the exhibit’s emphasis on design and natural environment.(Photo: Ema Peter)A recreation of Kengo Kuma’s 2007 Floating Tea House.(Photo: Ema Peter)The hotel and exhibition entryway features contemporary fashion pieces and lacquerware sculptures by Rei Kawakubo, Yohji Yamamoto, and Tanaka Nobuyuki.(Photo: Ema Peter)Japanese retailer Beams is new to Canada, but their products are quickly flying off the shelves, finding a home with architecture and design lovers alike.(Photo: Ema Peter)Reservable jackets by Beams. The company features high quality, well-designed products that showcase modern Japanese craftsmanship.(Photo: Ema Peter)Beams lanterns can be found inside the Giovane Cafe.(Photo: Ema Peter)Beams mugs are designed to keep your sake at the perfect temperature.(Photo: Ema Peter)Beams mugs printed with the 47 Japanese prefectures.(Photo: Ema Peter)Contemporary kimonos from 1946 to 1967—made from silk, hemp, satin and linen—welcome visitors to the second floor of the exhibit.(Photo: Ema Peter)Panel exhibition, “Small to Large,” features 21 projects from Kengo Kuma’s career—both big and small. Not only is he the designer of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Stadium, but he is currently working on a new building on Alberni Street.(Photo: Ema Peter)Study models for the Vancouver building project Alberni by Kengo Kuma.(Photo: Ed White)The final model of Alberni by Kengo Kuma. The unique shape of the building allows it to blend into the landscape—without interrupting the views of Stanley Park.(Photo: Ema Peter)“Layering: The Art of Japanese Space-Making” demonstrates how architectural and design techniques influence one another and delves into how these techniques inspired Kengo Kuma’s Alberni project.(Photo: The Collective You)Muji’s simple and user-friendly products range in size (from pens to the ever-popular bean bag chairs) to fit in with the “Small to Large” theme of the exhibit. Here, the items are featured on Kengo Kuma shelves.(Photo: Fairmont)Gozen (chef’s plate) by Chef Hiromitsu Nozaki and Chef Takayuki Omi is being served at The RawBar. It takes the chefs eight hours to create 10 plates, which can be enjoyed by reservation. The exhibition’s food and beverage program also includes a Sakurai Japanese Tea Experience, and a nine-course Kaiseki dinner.

Japan Unlayered

January 27 to February 28, 201711 a.m. to 7 p.m.Fairmont Pacific Rim1038 Canada Place WayVancouver