Yamanaka Lab at University of Tokyo has introduced design techniques to the fields of advanced technology such as robotics and spacecraft, high-tech manufacturing and medical treatment where human bodies and artifacts are closely intertwined. Developing various prototypes, it continues to explore the future possibilities of artifacts. The Lab will hold the exhibition “Designing Body Making Beautiful Prosthetics” at the University of Tokyo from June 4.

Prosthetic limbs have long been considered substitutes for the lost body parts and ideal when closely resembled to those of the physically unimpaired. But athletes running with prosthetic legs make us realize that the physical loss actually create the environment for new possibilities.

The exhibition will display the prosthetic legs produced over seven years by Professor Yamanaka, his students and staff in collaboration with prosthetists, manufacturing firms and athletes. It will also introduce new projects utilizing the most advanced technology.

Please enjoy the opening of the new chapter for beautiful prosthetic legs.

Designing Body Making Beautiful Prosthetics

 
Dates: June 4 (Thurs.) - 14 (Sun.), 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Place :Gallery at 1^st floor S Block, Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo (Komaba Campus) / 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, TokyoAdmission: Free

Organizers: Yamanaka Lab, University of Tokyo, SIP MIAMI Project

1-Day Event  “Design for Individual Needs”

Date: June 6 (Sat.), 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Place:Anniversary Hall, S Block, Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo

Speakers:Bandai Matsuo(engineer), Shunji Yamanaka 
For registration, click here★

1-Day Event  “Making Body Parts – from the perspectives of fashion, art and research”
Date : June 7 (Sun.), 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. 
Place :Anniversary Hall, S Block, Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo

Speakers :Tamae Hirokawa(creative director / fashion designer / artist), AKI INOMATA(artist), Shunji Yamanaka 
For registration, click here★
For details of events, click here★

Shunji Yamanaka 
After working for Nissan Motor Design Center, Yamanaka became an independent designer in 1987. He served as an assistant professor at the University of Tokyo from 1991 to 1994 and established Leading Edge Design in 1994. Professor of the Graduate School of Media and Governance at Keio University from 2008 to 2012. Professor of the Institute of Industrial Science, the University of Tokyo, from April 2013. He works as an industrial designer of various items from wristwatches to railway wagons and also as an engineer in the fields of robotics and communication technology. His research at the university involves new relationships between humans and artifacts including prosthetic legs and robots that appeal to senses.