• Korean Institute of Interior Design Journal
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.27-36
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• 2010

The purpose of this study is to define concept and characteristics of "Unphenomenon", the design concept conceived by Shiro Kuramata who is a world renowned Japanese interior designer and to explore how his ideas were materialized in his works. This study 1) examines his experience during his childhood reflected in his essay The scenery of the Unphenomenon' and training in Kuwazawa Design Institute that made Shiro Kuramata a true interior designer, and also considers how his design philosophy had been built up and realized under the unique social situation at the time. 2) defines the concept and characteristics of "Unphenomenon" as substance of his design philosophy by surveying remarks in his books and comments made by people around him in press interviews. 3) concludes his own design method and uniqueness by analyzing his works based on them. As a result, the study has founded that 1) transparency as recognitive realization of existence and non-existence: non-existence of physical property, connotation, ambiguity 2) expression of uncommonness by correcting and reinterpreting common prejudices: flotation, distortion of scale and shape 3) realization of insubstantiality by removing and replacing material and shape: replacement into light, removal of the structure, multiple layers of meaning.