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Nebuta Museum molo designsThe new home for the famous <a href="http://www.nebuta.or.jp/english/index_e.htm">Nebuta Festival</a> in Aomori City, Japan recently opened with an elegant ribbon-like façade by<a href="http://www.molodesign.com/molonews/nebuta-house-about-the-building/"> molo design</a>. The museum houses an extensive collection of famed festival's elaborate glowing floats, and features the legendary characters that have historically draw in thousands of tourists each summer hoping to catch a glimpse of the stunning works. The building’s subtle, streaming skin shimmers in the daylight, allowing for a diffused <a href="http://inhabitat.com/daylighting/">illumination</a> of the interior, while blocking cold winter winds. Discrete openings appear to be pulled back like a curtain, subtly beckoning guests to enter the space and enjoy the festival all year round.1
Nebuta Museum molo designsLike the festival, the museum’s design is intended to enliven the subdued neighborhoods.2
Nebuta Museum molo designsThe red color is <a href="http://inhabitat.com/chameleon-think-tank-innovation-center-is-dressed-in-color-changing-recyclable-rockpanel/">continually changing</a> as the bending metal plates enliven the view of the building from all angles.3
Nebuta Museum molo designsInside, the light is often diffused providing low illumination for the exhibits, cutting glare and keeping the building from overheating.4
Nebuta Museum molo designsWhen the sun is low, strips of light come streaming in to create patterns on the walls-- a contemporary take on the traditional <a href="http://inhabitat.com/japanese-house-for-everyone-is-a-wood-wrapped-masterpiece/">Japanese architectural tradition</a> of using sun and shade as interior design elements.5
Nebuta Museum molo designsThe museum houses a theater and collection of the extraordinary glowing floats along with a restaurant and store.6
Nebuta Museum molo designs<a href="http://inhabitat.com/molo-unveils-special-edition-japan-relief-heartfelt-hobo-lantern/">Molo's</a> playful skin is another <a href="http://inhabitat.com/milan-furniture-fair-day-2/molo2jpg/">example </a>of their knack for taking simple ideas and elaborating them into plays of light and kinetic function.7







