MONKYO

Exhibition Layout

KYOMON ROOM

The Kyomon Room is lined with three-dimensional knit panels showcasing classic Japanese motifs—Shippo (seven treasures), Izutsu-waribishi (well-edge diamonds), and Asanoha (hemp leaf). Each design is knitted with elastic yarn on a computerized flat-knitting machine by Shima Seiki Mfg., Ltd., creating richly textured reliefs.

Laminated to the back of each panel is a piezoelectric film that flexes when voltage is applied, allowing the supple textile to function as a loudspeaker. Because the knit geometry alters the direction of vibration, every panel exhibits its distinctive acoustic character.

While contemplating the woven patterns, discover how each piece projects and diffuses sound in a spatially unique way.

SUIMON ROOM

After passing through a punch lace knit gate patterned with Seigaiha (stylized ocean waves), you arrive in the Suimon Room, where a translucent Knitted Fabric Speaker forms a cascading “acoustic waterfall.” Here, sound-rather than water-spills downward, sending ripples across an invisible surface.

This waterfall is created by embedding transparent film speakers inside the sheer knit, permitting light to filter through while layering sound throughout the space.

Sense the unseen current, focus your attention, and experience a moment in which all five senses are sharpened.

Sound Design

In MONKYO, a bespoke audio system independently controls multiple sound sources to craft a finely tuned sonic environment for each space.

KYOMON ROOM employs eight knit-based speaker channels, each with distinct acoustic characteristics, to generate individual voices that resonate in harmony with the atmosphere.

SUIMON ROOM features 24 independently driven film speakers that recreate the cascading sound of an acoustic waterfall. By synchronizing these channels with ripple visuals on an invisible water surface, the installation merges sight and sound into a seamless immersive experience.