For Immediate Release｜May 1, 2025｜Tan Yamanouchi & AWGL Inc.
Invited as an Architect to Exhibit an Outdoor Installation at the “Time Space Existence” during the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale 2025
“Anywhere Door” – Announcing an International Architecture/Art Project Connecting the World through a Series of Doors
・Official website of “Anywhere Door”: https://anyhweredoor.awgl-inc.com/en/
・Official website of “TIME SPACE EXISTENCE” (participant page): https://timespaceexistence.com/participants/tan-yamanouchi-awgl/
1. Overview of the Artwork
Architect Tan Yamanouchi has been invited as an official architect to exhibit an outdoor installation as part of Time Space Existence, hosted by the European Cultural Centre (ECC) during the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale 2025. His installation will be showcased at the outdoor venue, Marinaressa Gardens, for 198 days from May 10 (Saturday) to November 23 (Sunday), 2025 in Venice.
The outdoor architectural installation, “Anywhere Door”, features “doors”—one of the most familiar architectural elements for people around the world—set within various landscapes, presenting each unique view as an artwork. It is a decentralized, network-based architectural installation that avoids centralization. This project connects the venue in Venice, Italy, and multiple locations across Japan, acting as an international architectural art project presented globally.
In alignment with the exhibition’s dates, from May 10 (Sat) to November 23 (Sun), 2025, the “door” will appear in four unique locations across Italy and Japan. Multiple locations across Japan will also host exhibitions during the same period, as the project resonates with local communities.
Ahead of the opening on May 10 (Sat) 2025, a press reception and artwork preview event will take place in Venice on May 8 (Thu) and May 9 (Fri) 2025. Architect Tan Yamanouchi will participate in both the reception and the preview event.
2. Concept of the Artwork
A single artwork can present entirely different forms depending on its location and culture.
“Anywhere Door” is an attempt to create an architectural installation that abstracts the environment itself through the audience’s recognition and perception, while minimizing intervention in the environment. It incorporates the sense of place, including memories, cultural backgrounds, and the landscape of the location, transforming it into the artwork itself.
At the same time, by connecting these installations across multiple locations, the project is designed as one large decentralized, network-based architectural/artwork. It aims to celebrate the joy of the interconnectedness of “one planet.” The project unfolds as an international architecture/art initiative that gently connects different places, people, time, as well as animals, plants, and nature.
*The Artwork Statement of “Anywhere Door” (to be engraved on the elevation of each door in English)
”Anywhere Door” is an outdoor architectural installation that aims to highlight the very landscape or scene the viewer is witnessing by installing a single door outdoors, transforming it into a meaningful artwork.
This project takes the door, a small architectural element that many people interact with daily, and creates a beautiful yet engaging artwork within the landscape.
Through the expression of placing a door outdoors, the project invites the viewer to contemplate the fundamental joy of connection—without negating the act of connecting itself—in today’s world, where information, objects, and events are connected at the speed of light. It encourages the viewer to reflect on the fact that the land and sky before them are infinitely interconnected. This, I believe, is a role that architecture alone can fulfill and an essential role that architecture should take on in the international community in the future.
“Somewhere in the world, someone like you.” This artwork celebrates the fundamental joy and happiness of connections, encompassing both people and nature.
3. Design of the Artwork
*Photograph of “Anywhere Door” taken in Venice (photo by Katsumasa Tanaka)
The design of “Anywhere Door” was created with the intention of conveying the delicacy typical of Japanese craftsmanship and culture, while also expressing the mysticism and allegorical nature in line with the message of the artwork. Both the door and its frame are made entirely of stainless steel.
The door frame uses stainless steel round pipes with a diameter of 38mm as the outer shell, featuring a double-layered structure of stainless steel round pipes. The edges of the door are rounded (R processed), and the door and frame meet at a single point of contact. The hinge, which allows the door to rotate, is designed so that the outer shell itself rotates without seams, and the frame is seamlessly smooth. Furthermore, no screws are used in the construction; instead, the assembly is carried out solely through welding. The finish retains the stainless steel’s hairline texture, and five colors are applied through hand-painted craftsmanship by artisans.
The design aims to evoke a sense of something otherworldly—familiar, yet unfamiliar—drawing the viewer into a delicate atmosphere through layers of meticulous craftsmanship, allowing them to feel a sense of the ethereal.
4. Comment from the Architect
When I received the official invitation from the European Cultural Centre – ECC, the organizer of the 2025 Venice Biennale under the theme TIME SPACE EXISTENCE, two thoughts came to mind.
First, I imagined creating and exhibiting an outdoor installation at the historic Marinaressa Gardens, where renowned architects have presented their works in the past.
Second, I envisioned the project expanding beyond the Venice Biennale, creating a series of architectural works and a networked art project that would cross national borders.
I strongly wanted to design a work that would allow people to feel “the world is connected” and inspire reflection on the idea of connection.
“Anywhere Door” has been made possible with the cooperation and support of many people who resonate with the project.However, there weren’t many people I was initially connected with.
Having first experienced the world outside of architecture before embarking on my career as an architect, I believe that my sense of being somewhat “outside” the architectural world has strengthened my desire to pursue “what only architecture can do” and “what architects should do.”
I hope this project will inspire the next generation to follow in these footsteps.
― Architect Tan Yamanouchi
5. Additional Information
□Exhibition Overview of “Anywhere Door”
・Dates: May 10, 2025 (Sat) – November 23, 2025 (Sun): 198 days
Note: Exhibitions at domestic locations in Japan are scheduled to begin sequentially from July 2025 onwards.
・Concept Design & Produce of “Anywhere Door”: Tan Yamanouchi & AWGL
・Time Space Existence, organized by the European Cultural Centre, during the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025.
Before the opening, a reception and artwork preview event will be held in Venice on May 8 (Thu) and May 9 (Fri), 2025, organized by the European Cultural Centre – ECC.
□Exhibition Venues
“Anywhere Door”, appearing simultaneously at venues with different contexts, will unfold distinct scenes and landscapes at each location, evoking unique experiences for each site. As you journey through various locations, enjoy the diverse artistic experiences created by “Anywhere Door”.
・Exhibition Venues |Venice, Italy: Marinaressa Gardens – Venue of the Time Space Existence
As an officially invited work, “Anywhere Door” by architect Tan Yamanouchi will be exhibited at Time Space Existence, an international exhibition hosted by the European Cultural Centre during the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025.
The venue will feature works by architects from around the world. Among them, “Anywhere Door” will represent Japan through a design that embodies the spirit of Japanese culture and the meticulous craftsmanship of its artisans.Set alongside globally renowned works, “Anywhere Door” offers a striking and poetic presence—an invitation to experience the beauty of Japanese architectural expression in Venice.
Access: Riva dei Sette Martiri, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy
Exhibition Period: Saturday, May 10 – Sunday, November 23, 2025
https://timespaceexistence.com/
・Exhibition Venues | Japan: Engaku-ji Temple (Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture)
Located in the historic city of Kamakura, Engaku-ji is the head temple of the Rinzai sect’s Engaku-ji school, founded in 1282. This Zen temple is the birthplace of the inspiration for “Anywhere Door”. The exhibition will take place within the temple grounds.“Anywhere Door” will unexpectedly appear in this historically rich space, creating a mystical and gentle expression of boundaries. Experience the presence of this artwork in a sacred and profound environment.
Access:409 Yamanouchi, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Exhibition Period: July 2025 – (expected)
Note: Visiting Hours:March – November: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Exit by 5:00 PM)
・Exhibition Venues | Japan: KURKKU FIELDS (Kisarazu, Chiba Prefecture)
KURKKU FIELDS is an organic farm located on a vast 30-hectare site in Kisarazu, providing experiences centered on agriculture, food, and art.
The concept of “Anywhere Door”, with its message of “Somewhere in the world, someone like you,” resonates deeply with the sustainable future-driven spirit of KURKKU FIELDS.” Anywhere Door” will make its appearance in the Creative Park of KURKKU FIELDS. Experience this new artwork that connects the future through a space for all ages, from children to adults.
Access:2503 Yana, Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture
Exhibition Period: June 2025 – (expected)
Hours of Operation:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; open on holidays)
・Exhibition Venues | Japan: SHIROIYA HOTEL (Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture)
The historic Shiraiya Hotel, founded 300 years ago, has been transformed into an art hotel.
As a new art installation in this “art destination” concept, “Anywhere Door” will appear as a striking piece that stimulates the senses. Surrounded by works from global creators, “Anywhere Door” invites visitors to experience the unique image created by the door as both a destination and departure point for an “art destination”.
Access:2-2-15 Honcho, Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture
Exhibition Period: June 2025 – (expected)
□Project Sponsorship & Collaboration
“Anywhere Door” has been made possible through the support of many partners who resonate with the vision of this project.
Venue Overseas | Marinaressa Gardens, Time Space Existence
Organized: European Cultural Centre
Grants: Yoshino Gypsum Art Foundation
Transportation Sponsorship: ANA Trading Co., Ltd., OCS Co., Ltd.
Venues in Japan | Engaku-ji Temple
Artwork Sponsorship: Toshimaya Co., Ltd.
Venue Provided: Engaku-ji Temple
Venues in Japan | KURKKU FIELDS
Artwork Sponsorship/Venue Provided: KURKKU FIELDS Inc.
Venues in Japan | SHIROIYA HOTEL
Artwork Sponsorship: JINS Inc.
Venue Provided: SHIROIYA HOTEL Inc.
“Anywhere Door” Concept design & Produce: Tan Yamanouchi & AWGL
Design: Tan Yamanouchi (Tan Yamanouchi & AWGL Inc.)
Production: Handa Tekkojo
Painting: Taisei Toso Denki Seisakusyo
“Anywhere Door” Official Website Production:
Creative Director: Tan Yamanouchi (Tan Yamanouchi & AWGL Inc.)
Art Director: Kenjo Ohashi (CHERRY Inc.)
Copywriter: Ryoko Kataoka (CHERRY Inc.)
Design Engineer: Kento Yanagihara (PRESET)
□Contact Information
For press and media inquiries: info@awgl-inc.com
□Upcoming Plans
This press release serves as the first in a series distributed directly to the media. A second release will follow after the opening of the Venice Arcitecture Biennale 2025, including photos taken on-site.
