In the quiet expanse of Miyako Island, a place where the ocean whispers secrets to the shore, sits the Yuputira House – a creation that is as much a part of Mariko Mori’s artistry as any of her sculptures or installations. This home, Mori’s first architectural undertaking, transforms her themes of spirituality, technology, and interconnectedness into concrete and space, creating a sanctuary that is both a studio and a place of deep personal significance.
Mariko Mori, known for her transcendental style that often blurs the boundaries between reality and digital expression, partnered with Ring Architects and a select group of Japanese craftsmen to bring Yuputira House to life. Drawing inspiration from the bleached, smooth shells scattered across the sand, Mori designed the house to resemble a piece of coral, using pure white concrete that gleams under the sun, reflecting the light and creating a spectrum of subtle reflections throughout the day.
The design of Yuputira House is an ode to the sea, with sweeping curves that mimic the undulating waves and a seamless flow between the inside and outside, inviting those who enter to step into a realm where time seems to slow down. The house is devoid of straight angles, a deliberate choice that invites the eye to roam freely, evoking a sense of endlessness and fluidity that is rare in modern architecture.
As you step inside, the space opens up into elegant rooms filled with natural light, designed to enhance the contemplative atmosphere that Mori cherishes. The upper level houses her studio, a place brimming with creativity, where the ocean view serves as a constant muse. On the lower level, the layout includes a master bedroom, a traditional Japanese tearoom, and two guest rooms, each crafted to support practices like meditation and tea ceremonies that are integral to Mori’s lifestyle.
Mori’s art has always been an exploration of the cosmos, of life’s cycles, and the unseen forces that shape our existence. These themes translate into every aspect of Yuputira House. The home’s very name, inspired by the local sun god, speaks of renewal and enlightenment – principles that Mori has woven into her varied artistic endeavors. Here, in her architectural creation, these themes find a new expression, not on canvas or through a lens, but in living spaces that breathe and exist in harmony with their surroundings.
Yuputira House stands as a testament to Mori’s vision, where her journey through different artistic mediums – video, photography, installations – converges. Her earlier works often portrayed herself as a futuristic being, challenging the traditional perceptions of Japanese women, and as her artistic narrative evolved, so did her exploration of spiritual themes, depicted through portrayals as deities and immersive installations like ‘Nirvana’ and ‘Dream Temple.’
This home is a continuation of that narrative, a space where Mori’s past, present, and future coalesce. It’s a place that not only serves as a physical sanctuary from the chaos of the outside world but also as a manifestation of Mori’s inner life, a structure where every line, curve, and shadow is a reflection of her artistic soul.
Yuputira House is more than just an architectural achievement; it is a holistic sanctuary, a physical poem crafted from the same philosophical cloth that has defined Mori’s career. It is here that the artist’s exploration of the universe’s vast themes finds a grounding in the concrete, a home where every room, every curve offers an invitation to explore not just space, but the very essence of life itself.
