Concept in research:  A reinvention of the dojo or tea ceremony

Reinvesting light into space

Concept in research:  I’m interested in the symbolic meaning of the building’s neoclassical shell and its adjacencies with its supposedly later alterations/additions. I hope to explore operations that showcase the facades of the building as an image by either exposing its connection to the later structures, removing parts of the later structures or inserting interventions that engage with the facade minimally.

To help sustain the maintenance of the landmark, the project introduces new revenue-generating programs, such as bed & craft, a research center for traditional crafts, tea shop, etc.. The goal is to create a mix-use space that attracts visitors and allows local community members to gather. Besides, the project also considers the implications for the structure to be permanently demolished and asks how we could possibly bid farewell to this embodiment of history. The void left behind by the bank in the Photoshop visualization on Taketombo presents such a poignant image of loss. Perhaps in imagining its absence and commemoration that we find more compelling reasons to hold on to its presence.

Concept in research:  My concept and goal are to make a self-reflecting meditation space. I think wood carving craftsmen in Inami can feel self-reflection when they are deeply concentrating on their works and it gives them a feeling of peace and freedom. Not only people in Inami, many artists and masters describe their experiences of losing themselves in works and achieving mind peace. I want to make a space to provide such mental conditions by making visitors meditate and contemplate in it.

Concept in research:  For my concept, I am researching Japanese zen gardens and the psychology within that space. The vast increase in the cancer affected patients in the Nanto region has led me to wanting to design a healing sanctuary for   these patients. The program would include the basic elements of japanese gardens such as water bodies, secluded spaces and nature surrounding all of it. A portion of the program would also include a cancer research lab. The program would also be accessible to other people who would want a healing experience or a getaway in the beautiful city of Inami ( these people would be required to pay and this could help with the revenue increase) I am currently researching case studies of Japanese gardens as well as traditional japanese healing methods.

Concept in research:  The restfulness and zen in rural life was the first impression for me when I was doing research about Inami. I also believe that it could become the local context  for future tourists. Furthermore, Zuisenji Temple, standing not far away, is still an active site for worship. The context made me think about building a guest house for people who come here for a spiritual/ mental trip to Zuisenji Temple.

The dialogue between Zuisenji Temple and the western-style envelope of the Inami art museum is my design focus. My intervention and zoning would be generated from Japanese monks’ daily lifestyle. The original building to me has a continuity by the trace of memory. Otherwise, the relationship I want to build between our building and the temple has to follow the spatial sequence of people’s path. I’m currently doing research about how western and Japanese people do light control in religious architectures. This would be a design approach in my intervention as well.

Concept in research:  My programming concept is a performing arts venue for the town of Inami, with a focus on the ancient Japanese drama, Noh. From a design standpoint, I am interested in the notion of a structure within another, which is how most modern Noh theaters are designed. I see Noh as a way to entertain the existing community in Inami, a way to collaborate with the many woodworkers on Inami, while also stimulating the local economy with an additional tourist attraction. The space would also be able to host other types of performance, from dance to classical music. I would like to check with the stakeholders and see if there is interest in Noh from the Inami community.

Concept in research:  Inami is fortunate to possess an Ikigai center, but it is located a significant walk from the central streetscape of Inami and appears less accessible at night and during winter. Comfortably within walking distance of the entire town, the Hokuriku bank offers a possibility for a second center tailored to different uses. I plan to make small adjustments to the original bank mass to give it passive heating and cooling, driving down costs of sustaining the building and addressing some of the issues of thermal comfort in the building during colder months. Towards the back, I plan to carve more transparent walls out of the existing extension to invite more into the space. I intend to repurpose the bank as an outreach center for nearby universities, creating new opportunities for citizen science and healthcare outreach.

Concept in research:  For my concept, I am researching elements of a chashitsu and what it means to be a part of a tea ceremony. The vast increase on the rising age population in inami had me wanting to create a program where one forgets about their worries and problems and be in a place and state of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. The program would include varying sizes of tea rooms as well as a tea garden where man can unite with nature. I am currently researching case studies of traditional tea houses as well as modern ones. Since the size of the tea house is determined by the size of a tatami mat and not the other way around, the next step is to do a proportional study of the existing structure in plan and elevation in regards to the tatami mat.

Concept in research:  My idea for this project is to create a space related to Oriental flower tea. The exact origin is unknown, but in the East, people have enjoyed the aroma of edible flowers through alcohol and tea since ancient times. In particular, traditional flower tea has beneficial effects on various parts of the body depending on the type of plant. Also, the aesthetic effect of dried flower buds rising in the water and their fragrance have the effect of healing. In a small, quiet, beautiful Inami building, I would like to design a healing space where you can introduce the different kinds and effects of flower tea, stay still at the same time, savor the tea and meditate on yourself.