Hakuten

Hakuten’s mission statement centres on communication design. Its approximately 400 employees therefore also design rooms and spaces as sites of communication. With the monument in Yokosuka Peace Central Park, they have once again created a space that combines a sphere of emotional experience with functional and aesthetic properties.

HAKUTEN interviewed by Red Dot

Red Dot: Your monument in Yokosuka Peace Central Park is not only aesthetic, but also a very emotional place. What do you think needs to be taken into account when designing public places today?
HAKUTEN:I think that the design of public spaces must be both functional and consider people's well-being. One of the features of this monument is that it not only appeals to people at an emotional level with its light but, in the event of a natural disaster, can also direct people to Yokosuka Peace Central Park, which is an evacuation centre.

What role does light play in the design of spaces and public places?
I always consider light to be an important element that is directly related to memory – it is the first thing most people see when they are born. I believe that the combination of space and light can amplify the impression of a place.

Do real-life spaces need even more sensitive design because of increasing digitalisation?
Yes, because nowadays, hybridisation of digital and real space has become commonplace. Digital testing is more efficient for many things. I expect that by going back and forth between digital and real spaces, we will be able to create and validate experiences that have never existed before.