Tokolo Asao [CONNECT] Individual and Group. A Japanese architect’s geometric works at the Japan House London

An exhibition of works by Tokolo Asao - creator of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games emblem is currently held at Japan House London in Kensington, in the heart of the Capital of Great Britain, until 7th November 2021.

Tokolo Asao (b.1969) studied architecture from a young age and now works in the interdisciplinary fields of art, architecture, and design.   

A selection of his geometric patterns built on the concept of connection is based on simple geometry, and the patterns can be reproduced using a compass and a ruler.

He has a connection with London  having previously studied under Egashira Shin at the Architectural Association. 

Since September 11th, 2001, Tokolo has been producing patterns to the theme of ‘connecting’, according to Japan House London which commissioned this exhibition.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games brought Tokolo Asao to the world’s attention, when his graphic art Harmonised Chequered Emblem was chosen as the Olympic and Paralympic official emblems. 

Tokolo is an artist who is happy to share his work with anyone. He will explain project after project with intense curiosity and passion for what he is doing. 

So, if you ask, he will tell you that the emblem is made up of three specific rectangles that connect at every corner and can fill a circle perfectly. 

Although at first glance the simplicity and elegance is deceptive, further inspection reveals the complexity of the arrangements could have only been made possible as a result of intricately thought-out logic.

All images by Lucia Carpio for MyFashionConnectGlobal.

Adding geometric shapes to enhance a modern look

Designers often talk about colours, textures and mood for enhancing our indoor living.  There are also other dimensions of course, and one of them is to use geometric shapes which can effectively bring a feel of modernity to any interior looks.

While geometrics may not appeal to everyone especially to those looking for a soft romantic look, they come in various form, shape, lines and points.  Here are a few ideas that can instantly add geometry to any interior space.

Top right shows Tower 3 Light Cluster Pendant in Black Copper from Dar Lighting featuring a cascading trio of wire frames in matt black with bright copper lamp-holder detail.  

Cluster pendants are fantastic for stairwells or anywhere with a long drop. They also look great in a corner over a low table, where they can make a real feature out of an otherwise dull dark area. The simple Scandi style of the Tower cluster pendant ceiling light is perfect for framing vintage style decorative lamps, giving additional interest.

At top left from Word Up Creative is a contemporary abstract art print with lines and circles in beige, black and mustard with a white border. This print outlined in a black frame will look perfect in any living room, bedroom, playroom or office.

Word Up Creative is an online lifestyle store based in Cheshire, UK that sells gifts, stationery and home decor products. 

The bottom image shows Geometric Pearl Day Bed from Myface based in Portugal.  With its distinct shape and oversized scale, it is deal for injecting a significant visual weight in any terrace or patio scenario. Meticulously stitched weather-resistant cushion and upholstery are in powder-coated textured fibre.