tōrō
2020 Competition Runner-up
with Emma Tubbs Studio
tōrō is a competition entry for Anise Galleries new exhibition and co-working space in Forest Hill, south London. The proposal looks to the designs of artist Richard Wentworth, landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx and the motifs of abstract artist Jean Arp. The work of these artists take inspiration from organic and geometric forms, found objects and natural landscapes. In this industrial setting we have referenced their work to create a bright and playful environment, both internally and externally.
Like a painter working in a landscape, we proposed a hard landscaped garden of coloured patterns which subtly map a series of spaces externally. With a playful surface treatment to the unwelcoming tarmac at the front using heavy duty floor paint and reflective aluminium paint, these colourful, amorphous shapes create an artful and dynamic pattern which is bold and joyous. This space can be used interchangeably for sitting, eating, playing or showing work by other artists
The landscape constraints change as you enter the dark warehouse interior. By piercing a large circular rooflight in the centre of the space we open the space up to the sky and frame this focal point with a circular curtain which hangs artfully in the space.
The landscape constraints change as you enter the dark warehouse interior. By piercing a large circular rooflight in the centre of the space we open the space up to the sky and frame this focal point with a circular curtain which hangs artfully in the space.
In Japan a toro (light basket, light tower) is a traditional lantern made of stone, wood, or metal. We have proposed a striking central hung curtain that divides the space in one bold gesture to create our own lantern but in this case made of fabric. This architectural element references the collapsible, concertina form of Japanese paper lanterns that have become ubiquitous in filling our homes with light.
