KINETIC THREAD COLUMN installation draws from SUDARE SCREENS
Created by Japanese artist, engineer, and researcher Yotaro Sakamoto, Schattenrequisit: Column is a kinetic installation formed from fine threads that explores the relationship between architectural permanence, human presence, and shifting shadow projections. Drawing conceptual inspiration from the light-filtering properties of sudare (traditional Japanese slatted screens), the project treats physical material and immaterial shadows as unified components of a single sculptural composition.
ANIMATING STATIC ARCHITECTURAL FORMS THROUGH HUMAN MOVEMENT
The installation takes the form of an architectural column constructed from closely spaced fine threads. Integrated millimeter-wave sensors detect the proximity of visitors, triggering a stepper motor developed through computational design and physical prototyping. In response to movement within the space, the motor slowly rotates and shifts the thread assembly, altering the overlap of the linear strands and continuously transforming the shadow silhouettes cast across surrounding walls and floors. By animating a typically static structural archetype, the installation by artist Yotaro Sakamoto mirrors the interaction between fixed urban infrastructure and transient human circulation.
the kinetic response explores the contrast between static architectural elements and human circulation
the artwork translates transient human presence into mechanical and shadow-based movement
project info:
name: Schattenrequisit: Column
artist: Yotaro Sakamoto | @youtarosakamoto
location: Hibiya OKUROJI, Tokyo, Japan
exhibition: DESIGNART TOKYO 2026
dates: October 30th – November 8th, 2026
designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. See more project submissions from our readers here.
edited by: Christina Vergopoulou | designboom
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