[2015 concept design Awards] For the second time in four years, we have won both the "Grand Prize" and the "Gold Prize" at the Asia concept design Awards.

At the concept design for Asia Awards 2015, hosted by the Hong Kong concept design Centre (HKDC) to recognize Asia's most influential and outstanding concept design, the "Himeji Castle Main Tower Preservation and Repair Project: displays Planning and Signage Design" (Client: Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture), designed by Ryuichi Okuda of Nomura Co., NOMURA Co.,Ltd., won both the Grand Award, the highest honor, and the Gold Award in environmental design category. This marks the second time in the past four years that a project has won both the Grand Award and the Gold Award, following the "Palace Hotel Tokyo Chapel" in 2012.

 

Furthermore, the Osaka International Peace Center (designed by Mitsuhide Yoshinaga) and the Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum (designed by Masaaki Mitsunaga and Takeo Akamine), for which we were in charge of creating the spatial design, were also selected for the Merit Award in the environmental design (Cultural, Public, and displays Space) category of this award.

 

Himeji Castle, a World Cultural Heritage site and National Treasure, underwent preservation and repair work for approximately five years starting in the autumn of 2009. The design of displays and signage, handled by NOMURA Co.,Ltd., was divided into two phases. In the first phase, the castle was covered with a temporary enclosure depicting the castle's appearance, and a viewing space was set up inside, allowing visitors to permanently see the construction process—a rare displays in the world. In the second phase, after the completion of the renovations in 2015, the latest AR (Augmented Reality) technology was introduced into the explanations, recreating the appearance of the time through an intangible displays where the invisible becomes visible. The introduction of the latest technology has opened a new door for this World Heritage site, giving rise to a new style of tourism and displays concept design that transcends time. Furthermore, our company has also been entrusted with the management and operation of the castle since its grand reopening.

 

This year's Asia concept design Awards received approximately 800 entries, with 185 works selected. In addition to three special awards, the awards consist of 10 grand prizes selected in 18 concept design categories, as well as category awards such as gold, silver, bronze, and merit awards.

 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who cooperated with us, including our clients.

 

Moving forward, we will continue to create highly attractive environments based on a consumer-centric approach, constantly addressing our customers' challenges and requests, and providing optimal spaces, Delight and Passion.

 

What is the Asia concept design Award?

The Asia concept design Awards, organized by the Hong Kong concept design Centre (HKDC), is a concept design event highly regarded by designers and companies not only in Asia but also around the world. Launched in 2003, its aim is to enhance the value of "excellent concept design" as a crucial element in leading businesses to success and creating a sustainable society. The awards evaluate designs based on "cultural relevance," "sustainability," "tradition and technology," and "impact on Asian society," recognizing concept design that embody Asian aesthetics and have the potential to create new concept design trends and have a global impact.

http://www.dfaa.dfaawards.com/

http://www.dfaa.dfaawards.com/#!2015/c242x