Arata Isozaki and Anish Kapoor have joined forces to create a mobile concert hall that will travel across the devastated region of Higashi Nihon, brining a promise of hope to those still suffering from the earthquake of March 2011. Using music as the means to bring an uplifting message, Ark Nova will provide seating for approximately 700 spectators to watch interdisciplinary artistic projects, musical ensembles and multimedia exhibitions. The hall will serve not only as a platform for performances but also as a place to meet and find creative inspiration; thus, make a lasting contribution toward returning normalcy to the region.
More about the project, including a video clip, after the break.
H.E. Ichiro Komatsu, Japanese Ambassador to Switzerland, explained the importance of Ark Nova for the Japanese, ”Music has a magical power to give people hope and confidence even in a time of hardship. As the people of Japan are struggling day and night with a view to accomplishing the robust recovery of their country from the aftermath of the unprecedented disaster, the encouragement provided by excellent music will certainly be invaluable. I hope that the Ark Nova project will provide a strong helping hand in this regard.”
Isozaki has worked in close collaboration with consultants to ensure the concert hall provides the perfect atmosphere for such varied performances (Yasuhisa Toyota from Nagata Acoustics is responsible for the hall’s acoustic design, and David Staples from Theatre Projects in London is acting as the specialist theatre consultant). As the hall was conceived as a unifying element that will bring together the devastated regions of Japan, the design must be easily erected and dismantled. A large inflatable shell, largely designed by Kapoor, allows the hall to be easily transported and assembled, while providing an iconic form for the region to identify with.
An artistic committee with renowned personalities associated with the Lucerne Festival will support the program planning. The performances are intended to be supported by sponsors and supporters in order to provide the population of the region with free access to the programs being presented. The project is kindly supported by UBS.
