AAF Dispatch | Architect Makoto Tanijiri on His Creative Process
AAF Newsletter | Architect Makoto Tanijiri Discusses His Creative Process
Architect Makoto Tanijiri Discusses His Creative Process
AAF (Art and Architect Festival), an NPO dedicated to fostering art and developing the social environment, hosts the "Architectural Lecture Series 217" seven times a year. The date and guest for the next session have already been announced. This installment, the second of the fiscal year, features architect Makoto Tanijiri and will be held on Friday, June 21st, starting at 7 PM at Aria fina in Minami-Senba, Osaka.
Text by OKADA Kazuyuki (OPENERS)
Crafting Worlds Through Materiality
Tanijiri's work is characterized by its impressive sense of dynamism. He has created over 100 works encompassing architecture, products, and installations. This is an unusually high number for a young architect. Typically, designs that emphasize material texture can easily come across as industrial, cold, and rigid. However, Tanijiri skillfully manipulates these materials according to the context, creating a unique world that is soft and warm.
The cafe "cafe/day" was renovated from a former izakaya space. Across the street stands a driving school. Tanijiri leveraged this unique location to form the architectural concept.
The interior floor is paved with real asphalt, mirroring the exterior, complete with painted crosswalk lines. Imported car seats have been repurposed as chairs, arranged throughout the space. This work connects the exterior and interior of the building.
The "Numabukuro Apartment Complex" is distinguished by its numerous large openings. This rental property features two units per floor, with the owner's residence on the upper levels. The exterior walls are exposed concrete, but the use of cedar formwork during construction imprinted a wood grain texture onto the concrete finish. Furthermore, to avoid burdening the structure on the lower floors, the concrete exterior walls, which form the structure, become thinner on the upper levels. This is incorporated directly into the exterior design, so upon closer inspection, one can observe the exterior volume tapering as it ascends.
At "Tokyo Midtown DESIGN TOUCH 2012," held at Tokyo Midtown, he exhibited "MOUNTAIN GYM," a jungle gym constructed from birch wood. It measured 15 meters in diameter and 4 meters in height. While appearing complex at first glance, its structure is composed of simple, repeating patterns. It is designed for climbing by both children and adults. White pipes weave through the structure, creating a playful element that allows for communication, akin to a telephone.
"Numabukuro Apartment Complex" with wood-grain concrete exterior walls
"MOUNTAIN GYM" exhibited at Tokyo Midtown
Tanijiri also actively uses social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, explaining architecture in his own accessible words. He has been instrumental in making architects, who are often perceived as distant, feel more approachable. We look forward to the discussions that will unfold on the day, with fellow architects in a similar generation, Mr. Ashizawa and Mr. Hiranuma.
TANIJIRI Makoto
Born in Hiroshima Prefecture in 1974. Established the architectural design office Suppose Design Office in 2000. His work spans a wide range, including residences, commercial spaces, exhibition designs, landscapes, and products. Based in both Hiroshima and Tokyo, he has numerous projects underway both domestically and internationally. Currently, he serves as a special lecturer at Anabuki Design College and a visiting professor at Hiroshima Jogakuin University.
Suppose Design Office http://www.suppose.jp
Architectural Lecture Series 217
Date | Friday, June 21, 2013
Time | Doors Open 6:00 PM / Lecture Starts 7:00 PM - Ends 8:30 PM
Reception | 8:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Guest Speaker | Makoto Tanijiri
Venue | Aria fina
1F Kamiyama Bldg., 2-1-3 Minami-Senba, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Admission Fee | 1,000 Yen
Registration | Via website
www.217.aaf.ac
Capacity | 150 people *A limited number of walk-in attendees may be possible. Numbered tickets will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 6:00 PM on the day of the event.
Art and Architect Festival (NPO)
www.aaf.ac