The Kumamoto Artpolis program is travelling the globe, coming to NZ from Sri Lanka and then travelling onto Australia. The exhibition will show at

Gus Fisher Gallery, Auckland (March 26th - April 1st)

Otago Museum, Dunedin (April 9th - April 30th)

Canterbury University Art Gallery, Christchurch (May 7th - May 25th)

The exhibition consists of 90 A1 panels of photographs, drawings and text, as well as several banners.

Jun Aoki is part of the generation of Japanese architects who established themselves in the period after Japan’s economic ‘bubble’. In contrast to the wildly extravagant and experimental buildings of the ‘bubble’ era, the architects of Aoki’s generation chose to focus on the realities of construction and the nature of Japanese society. Their work explored alternative methods of planning as well as making use of innovative materials and structural systems. The principle guiding this thoughtful exploration was that finding new ways of creating space would lead to new ways of living. The remarkable buildings Aoki has created - including a series of astonishing buildings for Louis Vuitton, and his competition-winning design for the Aomori Museum of Art – have earned him a string of awards, and his drive to open up new possibilities has made Aoki one of the fastest rising stars on the global architecture scene. With its passion for innovation and sustainability, InterfaceNZ seeks a similar role of international design leadership for its flooring solutions, and the team at Interface is very pleased to support Aoki’s lectures in New Zealand.

Jun Aoki will be speaking in Christchurch at the ‘Our City O-Tautahi on the Cnr of Worcester Boulevard & Oxford Terrace. Drinks start from 6pm with Jun speaking at 7pm. There is no charge for this event.

 Jun Aoki will be speaking in Auckland at the Maidment Theatre, 8 Alfred Street. The bar opens at 5pm with Jun speaking at 6pm. The cost is $25. You can book through www.maidment.auckland.ac.nz