Tsukuyomi 2000

Commissioned by Metropolitan Government, Japan

42,000-square-foot plaza / Phosphor, Granite, Concrete, Mist fountain

Architect: Nikken Sekkei

The design of the 42,000 sq.ft. plaza is composed of natural phosphorescent paving in the image of the 28 phases of the moon, and mist fountains. The work reinterprets the traditional connection in Japan between moon and water, both seen as temporal and ritualistic elements. At mid day, the fountains slowly mist over the moons. At night, the plaza becomes a magic carpet with blue phosphorescent light glowing within each moon, illuminating the mist as it rises again over the plaza.  Tsukuyomi is an ancient Japanese word for Moon-Night Reading.