We have been to Sensing Spaces, currently occupying the main gallery at London’s Royal Academy.  This exhibition is quite simply, amazing.

The imposing large scale installations, each filling an entire room challenge us to examine and interact with the surrounding environment through sight, sound, touch and even smell.

We particularly like Japanese architect Kengo Kuma whose dark and peaceful rooms are filled with fragile Bamboo arrangements. The structures themselves are works of art, towering pyramids of very thin split bamboo joined only at small regular intersections.

The bamboo is infused with a scent which gently fills the spaces.  The rooms have curtained entrances, which trap in darkness and aroma: the two rooms have different scents.  Though the construction and appearance is similar in each from the two environments the change in smell makes the two feel dramatically different.

“Sensing Spaces: Architecture Re-imagined” is at the Royal Academy until 6th April 2014.  Go and see it.