Deepening the Symbiotic Relationship between Nature and Humanity

Under the concept of "An Experimental District for Creating the Future," 100BANCH unites over 330 projects led by young innovators under 35, all focused on creating long-lasting value for the next 100 years.

The wide range of projects, spanning various genres and stages, allows 100BANCH members to break free from conventional "norms." They explore new perspectives, uncovering fresh possibilities. A vision has emerged from these activities—one where the symbiotic relationship between nature and humanity deepens.

All living beings, including humans, thrive through interconnectedness. Even in urban environments that seem distant from nature, we coexist with countless species, from insects to microorganisms. This awareness of symbiosis is vividly reflected in the creations of 100BANCH's young innovators.

At DESIGNART 2024, we will curate works under the theme "Beings and Art / Nature and Design." We’ll also offer a preview of pieces set for the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo.

Let’s tune in to the heartbeat of all living beings and rediscover our place within the ecosystem. Instead of seeing nature and humanity as separate, let’s explore how we can coexist within a holistic ecosystem where humanity is an integral part.

Sekisai × kinari

Sekisai, a design firm specializing in 3D printing, collaborates with Panasonic's sustainable material "kinari" to create large-scale works that seamlessly blend with nature and can return to nature. The "Annual Ring Furniture" simulates the growth process of trees using computational design, capturing the raw form of the tree's natural shape and transforming it into furniture. The resulting piece evokes the fresh vitality of a living tree. Additionally, a preview of some of the art installations to be featured at the Panasonic Group Pavilion in the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo will also be showcased.

KinSci by BIOTA

Mycelium sculptures are created using mycelium, the thread-like structures that make up fungi. In addition to its texture and fire-resistant properties, mycelium is gaining attention as a sustainable material because it can return to the earth—decomposing by microorganisms to nourish new life and expand ecosystems. At BIOTA, we use mycelium in our creations to offer an opportunity for people to engage with natural processes and the presence of microorganisms through their senses. Enjoy the unique stories embedded in each of our works.

DEW by Ryoji Takahashi

DEW is a sparkler-like light that evokes the feeling of having a Japanese garden in your room. This interior piece blends technology with Japanese culture, using the movement of water to create an experience reminiscent of a traditional garden. Watching the falling droplets of light offers a moment to connect with the natural rhythm of life. The mass-production model, which was launched this March, will be on display.

HAZAMA by LifehackMaterial

In a world where natural materials are constantly being replaced by artificial ones, could the true value lie in the space between them? Does focusing solely on functionality and efficiency always lead to good design? Rather than refining materials to the point where their original form is eliminated, perhaps preserving the raw, natural state of materials could offer new design insights. This piece was created with that idea in mind. The chair, which has evolved alongside human culture and societal development, was chosen as the medium, and we aim to evoke a sense of nature’s rawness through its design.

anima by PxCell×mokemoke

Bonsai represents the grandeur of nature in miniature, shaped over hundreds or even thousands of years by countless hands. It is, in essence, an endless work of art with no single author. But what if we could leave behind a trace of the artist or the journey the bonsai has undergone? Could this add a value beyond its mere appearance? In this prototype, we explore that possibility by embedding DNA information into the bonsai, adding layers of meaning beyond its appearance. As we searched for new ways to express bonsai, we arrived at a soft, "mokemoke" texture. This bonsai, which has long maintained a consistent visual form, now evolves into a new creation, merging human traces with nature's inherent beauty.

PxCell Gem by PxCell

What if you could carry an item that lets you feel close to a cherished loved one, always? PxCell Gem is a one-of-a-kind DNA jewel crafted from the DNA of a beloved person or a cherished pet. DNA is extracted from sources like oral cells or hair and then crystallized using our unique technology. With the concept of "wearing your loved ones and connecting with their memories," PxCell has created various products, including cellular accessories and human-thread items, and PxCell Gem represents a culmination of that journey.

BIO JEANS by PxCell feat.TEAM BIO JEANS

BIO JEANS are bio-damaged jeans that allow you to feel connected to the land they come from simply by wearing them. By cultivating wood-decay fungi found in forests and other natural environments, we use these fungi to dissolve the cellulose on the jeans' surface, creating a unique, bio-infused distressed look. Since the ecosystems of fungi and microorganisms vary by environment, the jeans are expected to feature distinct patterns and textures unique to each region.

Cultured Energy Drink: Served with Mermaid Flesh by A cultured energy drink

This art piece explores the fusion of cell cultivation technology and regenerative medicine by presenting a "Cultured Energy Drink" and "Mermaid Flesh," a mythical creation. By combining a beverage that integrates life cultivation and energy supply with the fantastical elements conjured by human imagination, the work delves into the boundary between science and fantasy. It invites viewers to reconsider the possibilities and significance of future technologies and life itself.

Home Bioreactor by AgriBioPods

The Earth's environment is being thrown into chaos by the relentless pursuit of producing food "cheaper and in greater quantities." Those who overconsume and waste food coexist with those who are starving. As population increases and food scarcity looms, what lies ahead for our urbanized way of eating? What does true abundance mean? We propose a "new way of eating" by applying biotechnology to cultivate edible cells at home. Using the "Home Bioreactor," you can grow edible cells and enjoy them as both interior decor and a form of home gardening, much like houseplants. This artwork envisions a future where we redefine how we cultivate and consume food.

Night's Lantern: The Light of Zero Lux by BioCraft

This exhibit showcases the mysterious glow found deep within the ocean, a light so subtle it's almost at zero lux, visible only to marine organisms. The ethereal light of deep-sea creatures holds the potential to mitigate the impact of light pollution. Currently, about one-third of the world's population is unable to see the Milky Way due to light pollution, and starry skies are almost invisible in urban areas. Light pollution also disrupts ecosystems, disturbing the natural rhythms of flora and fauna. Moreover, unnecessary artificial lighting wastes energy and increases environmental burdens. Strong lights can even affect human health by reducing the quality of sleep. The use of bioluminescent bacteria offers a promising new approach to addressing these challenges.

[In the Case of Space Suits] VISION2/FINGER GLOVE by ICHIGIKU

What would we feel about ceramic rings that require water if water didn't exist in space? This exhibit focuses on the functions of the fingers, categorizing their diverse actions and roles. By concentrating on the "reception of sensations," it demonstrates the sensitivity of the fingertips in perceiving temperature, texture, and the characteristics of objects. ICHIGIKU aims to reawaken the richness of touch through the nerve activity concentrated in the fingertips, presenting a new perspective where the fingertips become "planets orbiting in space."

The Song of the Akabane Whale by Cyber Chrysalis

Once known for its massive housing complexes, Akabanedai was a place where diverse lives thrived. Time has passed, and while the old has transformed into the new, the spirit of Akabane continues to be handed down through generations. The voices of its varied inhabitants echo through the ever-changing city. This image resonates with that of a whale, embodying a symbol of immense power and freedom. Akabane, where the nostalgic charm of the Showa era intersects with the pulse of modern life, weaves a complex and beautiful harmony. It becomes the song of the Akabane Whale, gracefully swimming through the urban sea.