Renowned photographer Marc Goodwin takes us on a captivating journey through the heart of Japan's vibrant architectural scene, capturing the essence of the country's most vibrant design studios. In collaboration with writer, model builder, and architect Samuel Michaëlsson, Goodwin's most recent series provides an uncommon window into the inner workings of sixteen different architecture studios in Japan. This project, which was started right before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, is evidence of the diverse range of inventiveness and ingenuity that characterizes Japanese architecture.
At Tokyo's Minami Aoyama, Terunobu Fujimori's atelier is where Goodwin starts her journey through photography. Situated in a repurposed residential structure, Fujimori's studio emanates a sense of tranquility as the architect painstakingly drafts his most recent creations, deftly fusing traditional Japanese aesthetics with cutting-edge inventiveness.
Situated in Takasaki City, Atelier Tenjinyama by Ikimono Architects is a creative hub where art and architecture converge. With a focus on experimental design, this five-person studio pushes the boundaries of conventional architecture, redefining the relationship between space and form.
Marc Goodwin's lens transports us to Minami Aoyama, where Kengo Kuma & Associates (KKAA) harnesses the beauty of nature to create architectural masterpieces. With over 300 individuals dedicated to their craft, KKAA's visionary designs epitomize the delicate balance between tradition and innovation.
Tokyo-based Tsubame Architects embraces the concept of "social tectonics," channeling their creativity towards projects that have a meaningful impact on society. This dynamic firm, led by Takuto Sando, Motoo Chiba, and Himari Saikawa, blurs the lines between architecture and activism, striving to create spaces that resonate with the human experience.
In the district of Asakusabashi, the BASE Shared Office is a collaborative platform for Unemori Architects and t e c o. Within its renovated confines, a team of fourteen passionate individuals come together to shape the future of architecture, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
For Tato Architects, architecture is more than just a profession- a calling. Nestled in the heart of Kobe, this intimate studio specializes in residential design, creating homes that nourish the soul and inspire the imagination.
On the third floor of the Miyoshi Building in Shibuya-Ku, Noiz Architects pushes the boundaries of digital design, creating immersive experiences that captivate the senses. This dynamic studio is at the forefront of architectural innovation, led by creative visionaries Keisuke Toyoda, Jia-Shuan Tsai, and Kosuke Sakai.
Korogaro Association/Kengo Sato Architecture Office
In the picturesque Otama Village in Fukushima, Marc Goodwin uncovers a raw, 120 sqm workshop that serves as the home base for the Korogaro Association/Kengo Sato Architecture Office. Here, amidst the tranquil surroundings, a team of three passionate individuals channels the spirit of tradition to create architectural wonders that stand the test of time.
In Suminoe-ku, Osaka, Coop Kitakagaya breathes new life into a 750-square-meter furniture factory, transforming it into a vibrant architectural hub. With a diverse team of twenty individuals, this dynamic studio fosters a culture of creativity and collaboration, pushing the boundaries of design with each new project.
Marc Goodwin concludes his photographic journey in Tokyo's Kamimeguro neighborhood, where DDAA Inc. and its subsidiary, DDAA LAB Inc., pioneer research and innovation in architecture. With a team of fifteen dedicated individuals, this award-winning studio is at the forefront of experimental design, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in architecture.
Finally, Marc Goodwin's photographic tour provides a unique window into the diverse range of inventiveness and ingenuity that characterize Japanese architecture. Every space, from classic ateliers to state-of-the-art design studios, is a monument to the limitless possibilities of the human imagination and the enduring legacy of architectural excellence.
