event_2014/49C2

Spiral is a multi-purpose cultural center opened in October 1985 in Minami-Aoyama as the focus for cultural programs of Wacoal Corporation. It is mainly composed of a gallery, a multi-purpose hall and other services such as a restaurant bar, an everyday life accessories shop, and a beauty salon. 

The building, designed by architect Fumihiko Maki, is internationally known as one of the most representative buildings of post-modern architecture in Japan in the 1980s. In particular, the first three floors of the building have a unique structure that is not found anywhere else in the world, and the open space configuration from the café overlooking the gallery, through the stores to the multi-purpose hall allows visitors to experience an encounter with art that is different from a normal museum or theater.

Spiral's central concept is "fusion of art and everyday life" and since its opening it has hosted a variety of events including contemporary art and design exhibitions, dance and theatre performances, concerts, fashion shows, symposiums, parties and art events merging different artistic genres. Spiral seeks, with the know-how acquired over the years and the network established with artists and art groups, to continue its activity as a comprehensive artistic producer with a distinctive approach to art at Spiral and beyond.

JP-CH 2014: Building in Context— Contemporary Japanese Architecture in Switzerland