What does it mean for a building to be healthy and to help people coexist with each other, with cities and with nature? A key question that drives Michele De Lucchi’s work is reflected in his latest exhibition Roppongi Rokken: Sei Case, which is currently on display at the 21_21 Design Sight museum in Tokyo, Japan. The design exhibition is part of his Loggia series, a collection of sculptural works that explores the “in-between” space – where the inside and outside worlds meet and where architecture acts as a bridge connecting people, nature and cities. The showcase marks De Lucchi’s first solo-exhibition and public display of his wood and bronze pieces.

The term loggia has its roots in Italian Renaissance architecture. The plural form is logge, which means roofed areas attached to the side of a building, often open on one or more sides. Historically, these were used as sheltered spaces for public gatherings, or as private transitional spaces in palaces and villas, offering a blend of indoor and outdoor environments.

The design installation consists of six small structures, three wooden and three bronze, installed on oak pedestals designed by the Milan-based architect and designer. The pieces are treated with acetyl oxidation which ensures durability and water resistance. “Wood and bronze, two of the oldest and noblest materials in human civilisation, form the foundation of this series," De Lucchi says in an official statement. "We have used them to build civilisations and deepen humanity. Their timeless presence embodied with anthropological meaning evokes the rich history of craftsmanship, serving as a powerful reminder of architecture’s role in human progress.”

The gallery’s location in Roppongi, a district in Tokyo named after six samurai houses, lends historical significance to the name of the exhibition. These residences, known as bukeyashiki, were characterised by functionality and simplicity, built to provide protection and maintain a close relationship with the surrounding landscape. The homes often included spacious courtyards and were designed with an emphasis on wooden and stone architecture, similar to the designer’s selection of materials in the Loggia series. These serve as a historical parallel, connecting De Lucchi’s explorations of contemporary architecture with the district’s ancient past.

The sculptures are not just static objects; they encourage interaction with the environment, drawing inspiration from the architectural traditions of Japan and Europe. Elements reminiscent of Japanese shoji partitions and windowed European walls reflect De Lucchi's belief in the power of architecture to transcend boundaries. He says, “Loggia reminds me of traditional Japanese tea houses, but also avant-garde architecture which extends inside/outside spatial continuities. For the ephemerality of human life to coexist with the extraordinary power of nature, the relationship between architecture, people and nature is becoming increasingly essential.”

De Lucchi’s admiration for Japanese architecture is reflected in his minimalist approach, aligning with the principles of wabi-sabi; in appreciating imperfection and transience. This aesthetic, coupled with a fluid design scheme between the inside and outside spaces, offers a fresh perspective on its ability to embrace simplicity and depth. The Loggia series embodies the designer's long-standing interest in creating spaces that allow for this coexistence.

Each structure prompts speculation on how indoor life might connect with the outside world, transforming tradition into a modern-day exploration of permeability. The name Sei Case (Six Houses) directly reflects this idea of connection and coexistence. These pieces stand as metaphors for adaptable environments, spaces that blur the line between private and public, nature and structure.

The Italian designer’s dialogue with late fashion designer Issey Miyake in 2018 contributed to the development of this exhibition. The two visionaries discussed the importance of traditional craftsmanship and how it could evolve with innovation. The conversation emphasised the value of blending the old with the new; a concept echoed in these pieces.

Throughout his career, De Lucchi has broken boundaries, contributing to avant-garde movements such as Alchimia and Memphis. His tenure as the head of Olivetti Design, the creation of the iconic Tolomeo lamp design and several of his riveting architectural projects around the world, showcase his diversity as a creator committed to making architecture more human-centric.

In his projects, De Lucchi explores speculative architecture that questions and challenges traditional norms. The Loggia sculptures reflect his belief that architecture should not be rigid but adaptive, permeable and fluid. He describes them as “an unrestricted journey into the imagination of spaces in which people can live", exploring environments that can adopt external influences while remaining functional and beautiful.

The architect's long-standing collaboration with UniFor, known for its bespoke furniture systems, enhances the exhibition. Together, they crafted the oak pedestals that anchor the sculpture art, embodying the harmony of design and material. The showcase also features an exclusive artistic video by filmmaker Victor Kossakovsky providing an intimate reflection on the journey of the pieces, from their initial concept to the final form.

Roppongi Rokken: Sei Case is an exhibition that draws connections between cultures, materials and historical references while exploring the future of architecture. Through his Loggia series, De Lucchi invites us to imagine new ways of living and interacting with the world where boundaries between humans and nature are beautifully blurred. His exploration of these ideas provides a fresh perspective on how architecture can evolve to meet the challenges of the modern world, offering a harmonious way for people, cities and nature to coexist.

'Roppongi Rokken: Sei Case' is on view at the 21_21 Design Sight Museum in Tokyo, Japan, from September 20 - October 14, 2024.