What Words Unite the Landscapes That Catch Our Eye?

In recent years, architect Kumiko Inui, along with architect Toyo Ito and others,participated in the design of "Minna no Ie" (House for All) in Rikuzentakata (2012).At the 13th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, she presented "Where Can Architecture Be?," a documentary of the construction of this project. Her architectural approach toward society was highly acclaimed, earning her the Golden Lion for the best national participation.

Currently, projects are underway for the redevelopment of the area around Nobeoka Station in Miyazaki Prefecture, and for school buildings in Shichigahama Town, Miyagi Prefecture, and Kamaishi City, Iwate Prefecture. While exploring the nature of "publicness" in places where people gather, Inui re-recognized the diversity of Japanese landscapes. This led her to begin researching the "attractiveness of place" that draws people to nature.

This exhibition, titled "Learning from Small Landscapes," presents research findings by Inui, students from her laboratory, and staff from Kumiko Inui Architects. Over more than six months, they surveyed approximately 200 municipalities across 45 prefectures. The resulting photographs of landscapes number around 18,000. The exhibition will display approximately 2,000 of these photos, classified typologically and presented as 178 units of photographic groups.

Mamihara Bridge Shopping Street, Soyo Town, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture

Oosawa Town, Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture

Regarding the concept of this exhibition, Inui states: "For over half a year, I repeatedly photographed 'small landscapes' with my students and staff. If we found a landscape that caught our attention, we would photograph it, bring it back, and classify it almost weekly. While 'catching our attention' might sound rather arbitrary, I began to consider whether people judge the appeal of a space based on emotional responses that are difficult to put into words."

Ultimately, we gathered a vast number of photographs – landscapes that clearly conveyed the photographer's feeling of 'being drawn to them.' They possess a richness of expression that invites viewers in and makes them want to anthropomorphize. However, the subjects photographed varied greatly, and a common 'something' was not easily discernible. What we finally found was the word 'service.' By applying this term, used in ecology, to evaluate the landscapes in the photographs, I thought we might be able to learn something."

To coincide with this exhibition, a lecture by Inui will be held on Thursday, April 24th, at the Architectural Hall in Minato-ku, Tokyo. Only 350 attendees, selected by lottery from those who apply by Sunday, April 6th, will be able to participate. Furthermore, a book titled "Learning from Small Landscapes: The Expressive Faces of Various Services" will be released on Thursday, April 17th.──Could this research provide a catalyst for rethinking the future of architecture?

Kumiko Inui + Tokyo University of the Arts, Kumiko Inui Laboratory Exhibition──Learning from Small Landscapes
little spaces Kumiko Inui + Tokyo University of the Arts Inui Lab
Period: Friday, April 18, 2014 – Saturday, June 21, 2014
Hours: 11:00 – 18:00
Closed: Sundays, Mondays, and National Holidays
Admission: Free
Venue: TOTO Gallery • MA
1-24-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062, TOTO Nogizaka Bldg. 3F
Research Members: Tokyo University of the Arts, Kumiko Inui Laboratory / Kumiko Inui Architects
Organizer: TOTO Gallery • MA
Curator: TOTO Gallery • MA Steering Committee
Tel. 03-3402-1010
www.toto.co.jp/gallerma/

Kumiko Inui Lecture: "Learning from Small Landscapes"
Date: Thursday, April 24, 2014
Doors Open: 17:30, Start: 18:30, End (scheduled): 20:30
Venue: Architectural Hall
5-26-20 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8414
Capacity: 350 people
Fee: Free
How to Apply: Apply via the website within the application period.
www.toto.co.jp/gallerma/
Application Period: Monday, February 24, 2014 – Sunday, April 6, 2014
Results will be communicated by Wednesday, April 16, 2014, after a lottery.

Book: "Learning from Small Landscapes──The Expressive Faces of Various Services"
Kumiko Inui + Tokyo University of the Arts, Kumiko Inui Laboratory
Release Date: Thursday, April 17, 2014
B5 variant size (175 x 252mm), softcover, 240 pages
Publisher: TOTO Publishing
Tel. 03-3402-7138
www.toto.co.jp/publishing/

Kumiko Inui
Born in Osaka Prefecture in 1969. Graduated from the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts in 1992. Completed graduate studies at the Yale School of Architecture in 1996. After working at Jun Aoki & Associates from 1996 to 2000, she established Kumiko Inui Architects in 2000. Became an Associate Professor at the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts in 2011. Major architectural works include "Dior Ginza" (2004), "Apartment I" (2007), "Flower Shop H" (2009), and "KYOAI COMMONS" (2011). Currently, she is involved in planning elementary and middle schools in the Tohoku region and urban development projects in Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture.