21_21 DESIGN SIGHT

This exhibition takes insects as models for design. Using information derived from various observations and perspectives, we have explored possibilities for future designs, and will exhibit the outcome of our work. Human life dates back only about two hundred thousand years, whereas insects evolved and reproduced for hundreds of millions of years, along diverse pathways, never succumbing to even the most drastic environmental upheaval. It is said many more insects exist than are recognized by mankind. Insects are the great precursors that we should learn from, but instead, they are treated as objects for extermination especially in cities like Tokyo. People now assume that an urban landscape devoid of insects is natural, and if they come across a little life-form their immediate reaction is to expel it, without any consideration of what it is that insects offer. So let us pause for a moment. How rudely we behave toward these great biological forebears! As a child I enjoyed collecting insects, and it was that recollection that first triggered the plan for this exhibition. I at once consulted Takeshi Yoro, the great insect lover, who has even built in Kamakura an insect memorial (mushi-zuka). Such is how this exhibition started. More and more interesting stories came to light as we discussed with insect experts.

The insect world is amazing, as I became more and more aware while preparing this exhibition. Their enormously long-term survival, I am sure, offers hints for the future of humankind too. We all learned a lot while working on this show, and many contributing creators have put a wide range of works on display. We believe that all phenomena around us are related with design. Please enjoy the experience, and I hope this exhibition will help in your designing lives.

Taku Satoh