Design Magazine AXIS Vol.219 on Sale September 1 !

THE POTENTIAL OF THE OCEAN

The fact everyone knows about the ocean is, "it is vast." Occupying approximately 70% of the earth's surface, this expansive domain contains diverse creatures and mineral resources,and also provides us with many blessings in terms of our food supply. On the other hand,the ocean's very vastness means there are many things we still do not know about it.Sparked by the issue of marine plastics, many people are becoming aware of such issuesas environmental pollution and ecosystem collapse.How should we make effective uses of the ocean while giving considerationto the environment from the perspective of sustainable development for humankind,including energy, commodity distribution, fisheries, tourism, education,and underwater city development? There is still much latent potential in future prospects and endeavors. This issue's feature focuses on the potential of the marine domain and discusses new relationships between the ocean and humankind guided by design as well as new perspectives in making use of the ocean.

Interview
Exploring the impact of the ocean on humankind
An interview with Dr. Jyotika Virmani, Executive Director of the Schmidt Ocean Institute

There is a research organization that sails through various seas attempting to unravel the mysteries of the ocean. The fields of their survey span seven areas including seafloor mapping, power of nature, and exploring the deep. We interviewed Dr. Jyotika Virmani at the Schmidt Ocean Institute that makes its research findings widely available in order to foster a better understanding of our oceans among the public at large.

Underwater sculptures help a recovering marine ecosystem

Jason deCaires Taylor is an artist who pioneered a genre called "underwater sculptures." Even during the pandemic, he continues to create works off the coasts of Cyprus and Australia. We asked Jason deCaires Taylor, who is also a diver and nature conservationist, about the significance of his underwater sculptures.

Regenerative Material of the Future

Some entrepreneurs and designers are fascinated by seaweed and exploring the untapped potential of this regenerative material. What can we learn from them?

A decade of water cities by NLÉ ― from slums to resorts

NLÉ based in the Netherlands and Nigeria attracted much attention for its water house Makoko Floating System (MFS). The first prototype constructed in Lagos, however, collapsed after approximately four years. Kunlé Adeyemi of NLÉ is working on a project that builds water cities throughout Africa while continuously making improvements in MFS.

LEADERS
Vladimir Yavachev
Director of the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Foundation

Christo and Jeanne-Claude has amazed people with their grand projects that defied all conventions. Although Christo Javacheff passed away in 2020, L'Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped appeared in Paris in September 2021, 60 years aftter Christo and Jeanne-Claude originally conceived it. It was witnessed by about six million people in 16 days. Christo's nephew, Vladimir Yavachev, who had long worked with Christo and Jeanne-Claude, talks about how the project was realized.

Sci Tech File
Form follows function The amazingly diverse brains of vertebrates

Brain science does not only deal with research into human brains.There are countless creatures with brains on this earth. The forms of vertebrate brains vary diversely. As "some inhabit at the bottom of the sea" and "some fly around the sky," when they develop certain special abilities to suit their living environments, the forms of their brains that control their abilities change naturally. The human brain that acquired complex thinking capacity through development of the cerebrum is not they only ultimate form; each and every species has its own unique and fascinating brain. We talked to Professor Yasunori Murakami at the Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Ehime University, who conducts research into clarifying "how the forms and functions of brains of various vertebrates evolved by comparing the processes in which they are formed."

INSIGHT
From chairs to buildings Jean Prouvé as described by Patrick Seguin and Tamotsu Yagi

Jean Prouvé was an architect, furniture designer, and an engineer who had a tremendous influence on 20th century architecture and industrial design as well as in other areas. An exhibition titled Jean Prouvé: Constructive Imagination is currently being held at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo. Patrick Seguin and Tamotsu Yagi who co-curated and designed this exhibition have been collectors of his work as they recognized his talent early on his career. They discussed Jean Prouvé's achievements and appeal from their respective standpoints as a gallery owner and a designer.