The University of Tokyo "Denka project"

The University of Tokyo "Denka project"
For elderly homeowners living alone, their homes and land have become too large. The solution is to downsize and build a new house for their later years. Architect Miru Rokaku's "Denka Project" is documented by Professor Kengo Hayashi's lab at the University of Tokyo's Institute of Industrial Science (formerly the Muramatsu Lab), utilizing 360° video recording as one of the methods. By sharing the realities that may be lost in two-dimensional documentation through a physical recording, we can facilitate the exchange of ideas with those who have not visited the site in person.

Sharing the "Field" of Research

We document and preserve the structure of homes in an authentic manner, incorporating 2D maps and other visual aids. Beyond just capturing the physical space, we also focus on recording the daily life scenes of the homeowners. This holistic approach allows researchers to experience the environment as it was felt through their senses, creating a more immersive and realistic representation of the lived experience within these spaces. By blending architectural details with personal narratives, we enhance the understanding of the research context.

Consolidating Information within the Space

Utilizing the recorded space as a canvas, we link information to each scene by incorporating photographs of objects documented by students from the Kenko Hayashi Laboratory at the University of Tokyo, along with stories gathered through interviews with the homeowners. This approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of the context, including the temporal aspects behind each element. By intertwining visual documentation with personal narratives, we create a richer, more nuanced portrayal of the space that captures both its physical presence and the stories that shape its significance.

Sharing Experiences with Others and Engaging in Dialogue on a Common Challenge

The phenomenon addressed in this research involves unique challenges that cannot be defined universally. For individuals who have not experienced the context firsthand, it is difficult to grasp the full picture through text or photographs alone. To initiate a meaningful dialogue, it is essential to recreate the same situation for all participants. The use of 360-degree recordings serves as a dialogue tool in clinical research, allowing stakeholders to engage with the environment and each other on a shared level. This project confirmed the efficacy of immersive experiences in fostering understanding and collaboration among diverse individuals tackling a common issue. By enabling a collective re-experience of the setting, we enhance communication and the potential for constructive dialogue.

PROJECT INFORMATION

CLIENT
The University of Tokyo
ROLE
360° Video Production / Distribution System Development
RELEASE
2022.07
CREDITS
METHODS
360-degree Movie
KEYWORDS
University
Research