IDPA Japan Design Award

2025 International Design Pioneer Award | Japan Tokyo
Days
Hours
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AWA

by Yenny Zhang

Project Description


Drawing inspiration from Banksy's documentary "Exit Through the Gift Shop", the AWA emerges as a vibrant pop-up hub dedicated to street art and niche subcultures. At its architectural core, AWA boasts a series of unique units, meticulously crafted with truss systems, metal structures, and scaffolding. These spaces come together to create a versatile venue for diverse activities: art galleries, workshops, retail spaces, and personal exhibition showcases for up-and-coming artists. The standout feature of these units lies in the modular design, allowing for swift disassembly and relocation, echoing the fleeting yet impactful nature of pop-up culture while optimizing resource utilization. Each unit is thoughtfully arranged around a central area, with multi-leveled platforms enhancing openness, accessibility, and a fluid flow throughout the space. To enrich the "climbing" experience, a fundamental element that deeply resonates with the spirit of street artists, this design connects an Otaku Tower—a salute to Japanese subculture—with a graffiti workshop. This feature provides vertical access to the graffiti zone, allowing visitors to engage with and appreciate the intriguing fusion of Japanese subculture and American street art.
Numerous red metal pipes crisscross throughout the space, mirroring the intricate network of city streets. This architectural element immerses visitors in an experience reminiscent of being a construction worker on-site. The red hue, imbued with the symbolism of blazing flames, intense anger, and a rebellious spirit, transcends mere color. It stands as a bold statement, encouraging young individuals to strip away their facades, embrace their true selves, and express themselves freely in this vibrant environment.

Yenny Zhang


Hello, I'm Yenny Zhang, a multi-disciplinary designer with a strong foundation in Environmental Design, and a deep passion for blending creative branding with the art of crafting spatial experiences. I graduated from ArtCenter College of Design, where I learned and fell in love with the world of design.
My journey as a designer has been a thrilling adventure, and I've been fortunate to collaborate with inspiring brands and artists to create memorable experiences. One aspect that defines my approach is my child-like sense of curiosity and experimentation, which I bring to each project. I believe in adding a touch of playfulness to my designs, ensuring they're not just visually appealing but also engaging for the audience.
I've had the privilege of working at Nike and Complex earlier in my career, where I had the chance to contribute to projects that pushed the boundaries of creativity and expanded my horizons. Now, I'm grateful to be a part of the Nike design team, a brand known for its innovation and creativity.
My work is a reflection of my passion to creativity, and I'm always on the lookout for fresh, innovative ideas. I'm excited about the future and the opportunities it holds for pushing the limits of design and creating remarkable experiences.

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