Hi,
My name is a Ben and I am a graduate of Bartlett school of Architecture in 2016 and a recent graduate of the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation Scholarship. Initial coming to Japan to with an intention to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese architecture, not just as a product, but as a process rooted in material choice and detailing, I found myself more and more drawn to traditional Kominka and folk-architecture. There seemed to me to be a true confluence of the craftsman and the architect, and a introduction to Esumi-san and an understanding of his work led me to apply for an internship within the office. As an design office - with one eye on restoration and renovation, and the other on new architecture - there seemed no better place to try to get at least a sense of the values, and drawbacks, of traditional Japanese architecture, and how these features may be applied to new builds.
Unfortunately due to delays in arriving, the internship ultimately became just 1 week - and before arriving I was concerned that it may be too short - and my chances at being involved in projects or visiting sites may be limited. However, there was no need to be concerned at all - with the chance to visit 1 site survey for a structural renovation of a subsiding kominka, 2 new builds, and attend a meeting and design survey of a final kominka about 1 hour from the studio.
Japanese architecture is, like anywhere, rooted in a rich cultural history - and so the chance to see both sides was fascinating. During these visits, Esumi-san would always be open to questions, discussions and pointing out features important for both the structure and design. As well as this, brushing up on my hand model making skills was also something I’m glad I had the chance to do; turn a ￥300 door mat into a kayabuki roof was deffinitely memorable!
Aside from the studio related work - the experience of staying was also memorable. Evenings marked by the heating of the bath with firewood, and mornings woken by the brightening shoji screens meant for a regimented cycle. Although preparing dinner on my own for the most part - one evening spent with Sato-san, Takahashi-san and Esumi-san around the Irori and enjoying a line up of three dishes one of which being traditional english milk-poached fish. Sharing that time with everyone was also really special - and maybe encapsulates the most memorable point of the week spent at Esumi Atelier: As interesting and memorable as it was architecturally, and educationally, the atmosphere and values apparent in that house is something I will find hard to forget.
Above the office library shelf was written a brief note mentioning that, although fashions change and styles change, the essence of the ‘House’ and ‘Living’ is the same today as it was in the past. In this way there is definitely something to be gained from visiting both old and new homes, and talking with architects who design both .
One of Esumi-san’s recommendations from this bookshelf was ‘Walden’ by Henry David Thoreau - a book described as ‘an Architect’s Bible’ - and spending the evenings in the office, after everyone had left; waiting for the bath to warm reading that book left as much of an impact as the site visits did - If not for the architecture then come for the location;
Oh, and the sunsets!
All in all it was a great week, if you have an interest in Japanese architecture - both old and new, then by extension there’s an interest in human inhabitation and ways of living in that same culture. If that is the case, then I can’t think of many better studios to get an experience of both and, atleast to a small degree, gain a deeper understanding of these fields. Thank you so much!
