Archive
2015.03.01
Series | Old Drawings Journey No. 04
Duke Matsukata's residence in Oyamacho, Mita (January 1905) [Things that change and things that don't]
Satoru Sumitani
This time, I'd like to introduce a Renaissance-style Western-style building recently completed at the main residence in Oyamacho, Mita, designed by Josiah Conder. Among the surviving blueprints are a floor plan and two elevations. Comparing them with old photographs taken after completion reveals that the elevations represent the original and revised plans. Perhaps at the client's request, the plan was changed, and the original, symmetrical, streamlined facade was redesigned to be asymmetrical. However, a closer look at the blueprints reveals that the spans around the balcony entrance and the details of the window frames remain unchanged. Despite the changes in the plan, Conder's design vocabulary remains intact. This is information that cannot be revealed from photographs, and it is precisely this message conveyed by the surviving blueprints. Incidentally, the building that was rebuilt after being destroyed in the war serves as the Italian Embassy today. While no traces of the Matsukata residence can be seen in the building itself, traces of the Meiji period remain throughout the gardens.
Middle left: Elevation of the balcony side (original plan) Middle right: Elevation of the balcony side (revised plan)
Bottom left: Elevation of the bay window side (original plan) Bottom right: Elevation of the bay window side (revised plan)
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Author's Profile
Satoru Sumitani
Satoru Sumitani
I've been looking at old drawings for a few years now. I think it's important to imagine what the designer was thinking when I look at them. I empathize with the detailed sketches of my predecessors, and sometimes I'm troubled by them. The moment when I solve the mystery left in the drawings is the most enjoyable.
Update: 2015.03.01
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