The Artificial Life Institute is a research lab and a flexible, reconfigurable workspace for scientists working on the cutting edge of science and art to gather. Located in a renovated teahouse in the historic Gojo district of Kyoto, it celebrates innovation and has been inspired by both Japanese and western design traditions.
The spaces are organised around a double height, skylit atrium framed by a translucent polycarbonate bookcase. The main meeting room opens up to a landscaped courtyard and features custom joinery with a handmade organic finish. We created a strong material palette, based on juxtaposing textured finishes that mimic patterns in nature, with a traditional Japanese vernacular, like tatami mats, granite and oxidised copper. Contemporary furniture sit under a custom pendant by Kyoto based makers, Kojima Shoten,
