Time has always had an inseparable relationship with fashion.  The evolution of trends in fashion often finds its inspiration from historical references, borrowing images and ideas from the past and incorporating them with the current.  Inherently, a continuously forward moving cycle of time references becomes the driving force behind the motivation behind the creativity in the fashion industry.

Spatially, different activities within a fashion museum occur simultaneously, resulting in various paralleled time zones.  For instance, one may be completely engaged with a self-contained exhibit of a certain decade within that particular time zone while other exhibitions or runway shows are simultaneously ongoing.  Vignettes of the different activities can be captured to reveal a hindering moment in time.  The realization of time may be completely realized or one may become completely oblivious to time.  How the spectator is intertwined, going in and out of and progresses through such spaces and the sequence of circulation is naturally dynamic. 

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The design of the fashion museum is to create a landmark within the urban-scape of Tokyo.  The building is formally stretched apart into two portions by a nucleus in the center, creating an urban focal point - “the gem”.  The gem reveals itself with the panoramic runway and the seating area.  It becomes the focus of the building as well as the Omotesando area, in which the vibrant catwalk and showcases of the latest fashion are projected beyond the bounds of the museum.  As the runway represents not any epoch in fashion, timelessness is achieved to once again express another dimension of time.  Urban balconies are incorporated into various parts of the building allowing the cityscape to be draw into the building, as well as promoting a strong sense of engagement with the city.  The design engages with its surroundings by holding its civic integrity, setting up a dialogue between its audience from the street level and from various directions, and drawing the context into the building.