Ultra-Futuristic Wanhua DJ Co-Performance 卍華ＯＯＯ超未來

Ultra-Futuristic Wanhua DJ Co-Performance is part of Loftwork's engagement with the JUT Foundation for Arts & Architecture's U-mkt project. U-mkt, formerly recognized as the Xinfu Market, holds the status of a city-designated historic site. This two-year initiative is primarily centered on exploring and researching the "contemporary social value of revitalizing traditional markets." Its objective is to establish a platform that lures external practitioners to experiment and contribute towards shaping the future culture of the region, fostering the creation of "new local businesses." The project seeks to preserve the distinctive cultural heritage of traditional markets while providing opportunities to bridge the past and future through new cultural endeavors, ensuring the sustainable continuation of regional characteristics embedded in the urban landscape.

In the project's first year, we invited nine teams from Taiwan and Japan. These teams were grouped into three categories: "Gather / Stay," "Conversation / Communication," and " Co-Create / Collaborate." They spent around one month in Wanhua conducting research, ideation, and prototyping. The nine experimental prototypes they developed, each addressing the future of local businesses, were sequentially unveiled at the U-mkt's 2022 exhibition titled "VESSEL OF FUTURE COMMUNE".

Scope / Objective / Communication Strategy / Outcome

Ultra-Futuristic Wanhua DJ Co-Performance serves as the fourth and final external event within the U-mkt project. Our primary objectives were to "foster connections between creators and local residents" and "create an opportunity for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the project." This event aligns with the thematic focus of the project's third phase, "Co-create / Collaborate."

"What intriguing events can transpire in Wanhua during the night?" Ultra-Futuristic Wanhua DJ Co-Performance represents an open DJ performance that encourages the participation of both local residents and young individuals from various regions. Together, they venture into the historical market architecture during the late hours, using music and signature vibes as the guide to explore the essence of our local identity and envision its future.

The three DJs for the night, all creators participating in the U-mkt project, include Riku Murakami, a Japanese augmented speaker maker, and the Taiwanese band Mong Tong, comprised of Yu Hom and Jiun-Chi Hung. Having immersed themselves in Wanhua during their one-month residency, they provided a unique perspective, guiding the audience through an exploration of Wanhua's ultra-futuristic facets through music and exceptional sound equipment created by Riku. The performance culminated in three songs chosen based on the audience's perception of how they represent Wanhua's ultra-futuristic identity. The journey concluded with everyone dancing to the rhythm of "Last Dance" by Wu Bai.

Program

21:10 - 21:40 Riku (SNAKE TIME WORKS)

21:40 - 22:00 Riku x Hom Yu Bass Fusion (Live)

22:00 - 22:30 Hom Yu (Mong Tong)

22:30 - 23:00 Jiun-Chi Hung (Mong Tong) + Special Requests (Live)

On entering the event, participants receive a song request card, allowing them to co-create the future visage of Wanhua with the DJs by filling in an adjective and a song. Here are some of the song request cards received on that day:

On that night, three exclusive DJ cocktails were served, co-developed by three DJs and Fish, the bartender at the WANderLAND HIRUNOMI.

Insight

#1 Uniting Creators with Same Frequencies,

Amplifying Their Expertise

Riku Murakami and Mong Tong, the creators from Japan and Taiwan, share a mutual passion for resurrecting forgotten aspects of local history and translating them into contemporary expressions unique to their localities. They exhibit open-mindedness in embracing diverse perspectives and a zeal for hands-on experimentation. Riku's hardware expertise in sound equipment and Mong Tong's prowess in music production complement each other, fostering productive synergy during the preparation phase, and creating a comfortable atmosphere for the event on the night. This collaboration also continues to support each other's innovative projects beyond event.

#2 Pioneering Fresh Approaches to Nighttime Entertainment in the Locale, Encouraging Cross-Cultural Exchange

This event forged a connection with the newly inaugurated WANderLAND HIRUNOMI within U-mkt, offering an innovative means for local residents and young visitors from various places to experience the nighttime cultural ambiance of Wanhua. As the inaugural DJ event at the newly established izakaya located in the heart of Wanhua Market, equipped with Riku's custom sound system and featuring the renowned Mong Tong DJ performance, this event drew over 100 participants from diverse backgrounds within just a week of promotion.

#3 Designing Simple, Engaging, and Meaningful Interactions for Profound Feedback in Immersive Contexts

An intriguing element of this event allowed participants to convey their visions of Wanhua's ultra-futuristic identity by requesting songs that represented their perspective. DJ selected three songs from the nine requests, alluding to a common theme shared by the audience—envisioning Wanhua's ultra-futuristic future as an avenue for unleashing suppressed, exhilarating emotions.