McCann Worldgroup Japan has launched 'Genome House', an exhibition that brings to life the concept of designing a house based on genetic data to create a home that feels truly comfortable.

The house will be on display at RELIFE STUDIO FUTAKO, located inside Tokyo’s Tsutaya Electronics Futakotamagawa premiering November 21. The exhibition is sponsored by Panasonic’s design studio, FUTURE LIFE FACTORY. (The exhibition is a demonstration of the concept only and is not scheduled for commercialisation at this time.)

For over a century, Panasonic has worked to create products that enrich people’s lives all over the world. The FUTURE LIFE FACTORY was set up inside Panasonic’s Design Center to serve as an innovation hub for future-forward designs and concepts. This project “Genome House” is a challenge taken on by Panasonic’s young designers together with McCann Worldgroup’s open innovation unit, McCANN MILLENNIALS to go beyond IoT and smart homes to continue enriching lives for the next generation.

The exhibition is based on the idea of a future where it is the norm for everyone to possess a map of their own genetic data. Such a future is not far, with the rapid advances in technology lowering the cost of genetic analysis. The exhibit serves as a prototype for future homes that utilize genetic data as a blueprint for designing a home that provides optimum comfort, based on the genetic profile of the inhabitant. The project began from an idea of using genome data ('the blueprint of human life') to custom-design a house most 'genetically' suited for each person to enable a future that enriches home life for all. The genetic analysis was conducted in partnership with Genequest, the first company to offer large-scale, consumer-directed gene analysis service in Japan. Using the actual genetic data of Genequest’s CEO, Shoko Takahashi, the exhibit displays a model bedroom with materials and functions optimised for her genetic makeup. Specific examples include a custom-made bed linen with high moisturising power chosen to accommodate Ms. Takahashi’s genetic predisposition towards dry skin and room decor that incorporates wood material and plants from Indochina, where analysis has found Ms. Takahashi’s ancestry to be from. The room is displayed in RELIFE STUDIO FUTAKO, Panasonic’s corporate showroom on the second floor of Tsutaya Kaden Futakotamawaga.

Exhibition Period: Wednesday, November 21 to Friday, December 21

Opening Event: Wednesday, November 21, 2018, 1 p.m.-2 p.m.

Venue: RELIFE STUDIO FUTAKO 

Lifestyle Community Studio

Futakotamagawa Rise SC Terrace Market 2F (inside Tsutaya Electronics)

1-14-1, Tamagawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 158-0094