For the past two years, Wood Design has continually explored the possibility and potential of wood. In 2018, the focus has expanded to forest products. Led by Wendy Maruyama, 11 contemporary artists and designers began the adventure with non-timber products that best depict the life of Cambodia; rattan and bamboo. To express the theme "Life," traditional rattan weaving and bamboo techniques were observed, applied and incorporated into the designs in collaboration with local artisans. With help and demonstrations from local artisans, the Wood Design members started honing their techniques, mastering the new mediums and combining them to their designs. The working process with the local craftspeople is a naturally collaboration between the traditional skills and contemporary.

The message of life and usage of eco-friendly materials is expressed through forms that embody messages, symbols and metaphors of life,culminating in an impressive art installation. The resulting designs, both literal and abstract, referenced the theme of LIFE in relation to preserving ocean life, cycles of life, systems, wildlife, pattern, nesting, cell division, food, connection and energy. The Wood design team brings out the diversity of LIFE through these exquisite art pieces, giving the local artists and audience a different perspective toward the material they seeing everyday.

In October 2018, IWCS team was honored to document three 2020 Tokyo Olympic facilities: The New National Stadium, Olympic Village, and Olympic Gymnastic Centre. Three buildings with different designs yet share same goals - using domestic wood as building material to demonstrate Japanese culture, to show sustainability, and to create legacy.

Our wholehearted thanks to the hospitality and great help of the Tokyo Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Japan Sport Council, Taisei Corporation, Kengo Kuma & Associates, Nikken Sekkei LTD, Shimizu Corporation, Gifu Prefectural Government, Nakatsugawa City, Kyushu Electric Power Co. Inc. and Kyushu Rinsan Corporation, NPO Regional Exchange Center and Legacy of Wood Culture Promotion Council (LWCPC) for the informative tours around Tokyo, Gifu and Kyushu.

We gratefully obtained the precious opportunities to interview with various representatives and experts to share ideas and concepts together with the material supports of these three Olympic facilities. During the early stages of this project, we also realized it is absolutely crucial to introduce the design and the construction process, including the source of the wood and how wood will play an important role in the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic facilities, for the goals of sustainability and legacy.