The architect Masashi Harigai has been working on a variety of public facilities and houses with a new approach. He has explored the meaning of architecture in today's society by shifting his perspective slightly and confronting preconceived notions. This time, through his new attempt to get involved in the digital design of YKK digital showroom and YKK FASTENING CREATION web exhibition booth from the world of architecture, which is a bit far away from zippers, he has learned a lot about fastening products and their potential. We asked him to share his thoughts on the relationship between fastening and architecture and its potential.

--Mr. Harigai, You also designed the YKK digital showroom and the booth for YKK FASTENING CREATION web exhibition. What were the main points you focused on in the design?
Harigai: Even though it was virtual, I emphasized that the design should not end up as a mere drawing but should be feasible in reality. We did not go through the structural calculations, but we would have liked to. I think it is important to have the strength of organic existence created by the presence of joints, even though they may not be visible in the CG. It may be connected to YKK's persistent commitment to quality.
--The construction industry and fastening products seem to be a bit of a distant world, but what are your impressions of YKK® products now that you have seen them in person?
Harigai: I was surprised to see such a wide range of products. They are divided by function, design, size, material, and so on. I never imagined that there would be so many differences. What surprised me the most was the variation in size. When I visited the exhibition space of Craft Lab by YKK near Akihabara Station, I was surprised to find large-sized zippers like those for fishing nets, which we don't usually see in our daily lives.