We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Takatoku Nishi about their original and creative Multifunctional Architecture design work. Takatoku Nishi is an award-winning architectural designer, that makes our world a better place with their original multifunctional architecture works.
Takatoku Nishi ("TN") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Ripple Multifunctional Architecture. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
TN : My ideas often stem from a deep appreciation of nature and its harmonious forms. I draw inspiration from the organic shapes, textures, and colors found in natural landscapes, which I reinterpret into designs. This connection to nature not only guides my aesthetic choices but also informs sustainable design practices, ensuring that my creations have a minimal environmental footprint.
TN : Ultimately, my goal was to design a space that feels alive and constantly evolving, reflecting the beauty and complexity of the natural world while providing a unique and memorable experience for those who experience it.
TN : Regarding the future of this award-winning design, I plan to further explore how the evolving beauty and power of nature can be uniquely experienced and expressed through architectural space. This project serves as an initial exploration and foundation for these ideas, and I aim to continue refining and expanding upon them in future designs.
TN : It took approximately about 10 months from the initial idea to design, fabrication, and construction.
TN : I designed this particular concept based on the discovery of intriguing phenomena caused by light. This design wasn't commissioned but rather emerged from my personal exploration of optical phenomena and architectural space, culminating from my doctoral studies. This approach enabled me to create a design that innovatively responds to experiencing natural changes through architecture.
TN : I currently retain the rights to my design and have no plans to sell or lease production rights. I am exploring options for its future development and may consider producing it myself, aligning with my long-term goals and vision for the project.
TN : One of my favorite designs is Peter Zumthor's "Bruder Klaus Field Chapel" and Juha Leiviskä's "Church of the Good Shepherd." These buildings have allowed me to experience the poetic essence of light and spatial atmosphere firsthand.
TN : The name of my design serves simply as a means of identification, without any particular deep meaning attached. In this case, I named it 'Ripple' to reflect its simple concept of generating ripple-like spatial phenomena. In reality, I don't feel strongly about the name. Much like how natural landscapes don't have specific names, I simply want to create an experience.
TN : For this project, I started with zoning using sketches and freehand drawings, followed by model making. Subsequently, I utilized 3D modeling software and drafting tools to progress the design, and finally prepared for construction. During the construction phase, various carpentry tools and power tools were also employed.
TN : The foundation of my design was influenced by data obtained through illuminance meters for controlling spatial lighting and anemometers to determine average wind speeds in the environment. Additionally, I conducted research on typical weather conditions and precipitation probabilities in Tokyo, Japan, during that period, along with crucial solar angles and irradiation times. I utilized this atmospheric data to inform the creation of phenomena in the design.
TN : One of the most challenging aspects was the structural design of the architecture. I had to figure out and research methods for wood joinery and assembly independently to make it happen, but I still had concerns about the structural integrity. From this experience, I have now re-enrolled in the doctoral program in the Department of Architecture at the same university to further study structural aspects.
TN : I am not particularly adept at using social media or promoting myself and my work to the public. However, I have great confidence in my designs. My motivation for submitting to competitions and awards stems from the desire to share my work with as many people as possible and to potentially benefit my future endeavors.
