Element by Cecil Balmond, Tokyo

'Danzer' by Cecil Balmond, a giant three-dimensional puzzle created out of four kinds of tetrahedrons.

(Image credit: Cecil Balmond)

Engineer Cecil Balmond - of Arup’s cutting-edge Advanced Geometry Unit - is perhaps best-known for high-profile collaborations with architects such as Rem Koolhaas, Toyo Ito and Alvaro Siza. His influence upon architectural thinking though extends far beyond clever engineering.

Combining studies in chemistry, mathematics and architecture, Balmond opened up new architectural routes, making what was once impossible, possible. He has developed a means of handling extremely complex architectural compositions. Inspired by natural structures, Balmond has created algorithms and new geometries, designed to free up architectural forms.

Balmond’s latest exhibition, Element, in Tokyo’s Opera City Gallery offers an in-depth presentation of his innovative approach. The show comprises three parts. In the first, Balmond avoids relying too heavily on architectural models or technical drawings, encouraging visitors to explore, in greater depth, how the engineer adapts organic forms into geometric structures.

The second section explores how a complex organic rhythm and language can be applied to building design. Two installations on site – H_edge, a labyrinthine structure made entirely out of H-shaped aluminium plates and chains, and Danzer, a giant three-dimensional puzzle created out of four kinds of tetrahedrons – showcase how such a method can be applied to large scale construction, bringing a building
to life.

The final instalment of the show runs through a number of the best-known examples of Balmond’s work, from projects in Taichung and the Emirates, to recent bridge designs.

Beautiful and immersive, the installations offer visitors an insight into Balmond’s forward-looking methods, which reintroduce both organic forms alongside architectural technologies and compositions.

Artwork with aluminium plates and chains — 'H_edge' by Cecil Balmond, a labyrinthine structure made entirely out of H-shaped aluminium plates and chains.

Presentation of work by Arup — Presentation of a selection of work by Arup - where Balmond is part of the cutting-edge Advanced Geometry Unit.

The first section of the exhibition, explaining how Balmond looks to nature for engineering inspiration.

Exhibition view — The first section of the exhibition.

Project wall — A section of the Arup project wall.

Test printing in preparation for the show.

A selection of self-adhesive prints, used in the preparation for the show.

Tokyo's Opera City Gallery view — 'Element' gradually comes together in Tokyo's Opera City Gallery.

sculpture room view — The Sculpture room taking shape.

Sculpture making — Constructing Balmond's 'H_edge' sculpture.

sketch of H_edge — A sketch showing the basic elements of 'H_edge'.

ADDRESS

Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery

3-20-2 Nishi-Shinjuku
Shinjuku-ku
Tokyo 163-1403

VIEW GOOGLE MAPS

TOPICS

Ellie Stathaki is the Architecture & Environment Director at Wallpaper*. She trained as an architect at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece and studied architectural history at the Bartlett in London. Now an established journalist, she has been a member of the Wallpaper* team since 2006, visiting buildings across the globe and interviewing leading architects such as Tadao Ando and Rem Koolhaas. Ellie has also taken part in judging panels, moderated events, curated shows and contributed in books, such as The Contemporary House (Thames & Hudson, 2018), Glenn Sestig Architecture Diary (2020) and House London (2022).