Trends in revitalizing and creating value in architectural stock

What is the source of the appeal of a city or architecture? It is a complex and difficult issue to analyze, as it involves a mixture of various elements such as the geography, climate, customs, culture, history, security, convenience, amenities, and environment of the land, as well as philosophy and sensibility. However, I have recently come to think that the source of its greatest appeal lies in the identity that is created by weaving together the optimal solution for coexistence with the natural conditions and geographical potential of the land together with its history, and by inheriting and expressing that culture and history.

While I'm sure readers are already familiar with this project, I'd like to introduce it to you. The Inujima Art Project "Refinery" (designed by Hiroshi Sambuichi) won both the 2010 Japan Architecture Grand Prize from the Japan Institute of Architects and the 2011 AIJ Prizes for Works. This summer, I had the opportunity to enjoy this work alongside the beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea. Inujima once thrived as a stone-producing region. It began operation as a copper refinery in 1909, but the collapse of copper prices led to the mine being closed within 10 years. In 2007, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry designated it as one of the Heritage Sites of Modern Industrial Development, and in 2008, it was renovated and reborn as an art museum as part of the Seto Inland Sea Remote Island Revitalization Project. This project, as a model for new regional development, is conscious of a recycling-oriented society. By utilizing the topography, heritage sites of modern industrial development, and natural energy, the architecture aims to transform and grow as part of the natural cycle. It is a facility that beautifully captures the major trends demanded by the modern era.

In Marunouchi, the center of Tokyo, amid intensifying competition among international cities, various projects are being carried out to preserve and regenerate historical buildings, as well as to preserve the city's streetscape and skyline, in order to pass on its history, culture and spirituality while also addressing environmental issues. Tokyo Station, which is being newly restored, and the greenery of the Imperial Palace, the former site of Edo Castle, and the scenery of the moat, exude a vitality and identity not found in other cities in the world.

The current economic situation in the world, particularly in Europe and the United States, is stagnant, and there is a sense of urgency in environmental issues such as frequent abnormal weather and the depletion of natural resources. In light of these factors, rather than painting dreams of future cities on a blank canvas, the major theme for architecture given to us today is how to unearth the value of things that actually exist on this planet, things that existed in the past, and stocks that have been discarded and forgotten, and how to use modern technology to regenerate and create things appropriate to the environmental era. I feel the need to face this current situation head-on and attempt new challenges.