What kind of place gives birth to new ideas, like fresh buds emerging from black soil? What kind of place allows for quiet contemplation while feeling the wind and light? It is a place where you can do something, or you can do nothing. You can be with someone, or you can be alone. We believe that the potential for future public architecture lies in such a forest-like place--one that is detached from specific purpose yet filled with a sense of expectation.

Every day at Sendai Mediatheque, many people spend their time in their own ways. It is particularly noteworthy that a multitude of unique and rich civic activities have grown out of what might seem like empty, interstitial spaces. In this exhibition, we will create Another Forest on the 6th floor of Mediatheque. Another Forest does not signify a functional space created for a specific purpose but, rather, an inspirational place that can begin with the act of doing nothing. At the same time, it offers a perspective from which to view the entire Mediatheque as Another Forest. Within the tolerant space that emerges during the exhibition period--a space that inspires the body--we may find hints of a future society where diverse values can coexist.

(o+h/Maki Onishi+Yuki Hyakuda)

Sendai Mediatheque marks its 25th year since opening, having experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake and the pandemic. This facility was designed from its inception with the goal of being operated while reviewing and optimizing its initially equipped facilities and provided functions.In this exhibition, we will collaborate with the up-and-coming architectural unit o+h (Maki Onishi + Yuki Hyakuda) and various citizen groups involved with our institution to undertake this kind of verification, which is difficult to conduct during normal operations. The results will be reflected in the space on the 6th floor as a model for a Mediatheque that responds to the current era. It is a place where it is acceptable to be present without doing anything. It is a time for free experience and experimentation, where participation is not coerced and results or successes are not demanded. The learning gained in this Another Forest will surely spread throughout the city of Sendai as wisdom for living in the next society.

(Sendai Mediatheque)

Date: Saturday, 1 November 2025 - Sunday, 30

Hours: 11:00 - 19:00

*Admission until 18:30

*Closed 27　November

Venue: sendai mediatheque 6F Gallery 4200

Admission: Free