Planetary Crisis – New Permanent Exhibition at Miraikan

“Tsumibako,” modular units of domestic CLT at the core of the exhibition furniture, were designed for reuse after the exhibition.

Tsumibako is based on a 400 mm grid in width, depth, and height and consists of five types of modules, which combine into benches, tables, counters, shelves, tiered seating, gates, and more. The system is designed to be easily dismantled after the exhibition.

“Odd timber,” irregularly shaped wood that does not circulate in the market, was used for furniture while retaining its shape.

The odd timber was sourced from Tokyo Chainsaws, a forestry company in Hinohara Village, Tokyo, and made into pieces such as a multi-stemmed table that keeps the branching of the tree and workshop tables topped with large forked timber. Before the opening, two workshops were held for elementary school children and their families: a tour and workshop in which participants walked the Hinohara forest and made “miniature gardens,” and a workshop in which they used “Tsumibako mini” to come up with ideas for reusing the furniture.

Domestic timber was used, with traceability and reuse of waste wood planned from the design stage.

The transport route of the timber—from source to sawmill, fabrication, and delivery to the site—and the reuse of offcuts from production were planned and visualized as data. Early in the design, the team visited Tokyo Chainsaws’ forest and log yard to examine the timber to be used.