Doshisha obtained Occupational Certificate!

During the past week there have been several authority inspections and defect inspection from us happening at Doshisha.
We have successfully obtained Occupational Certificate from Kyoto Council on MAR 19 - this formally marks the completion milestone of the project.

What is now left are documentation of as-built building for record purpose, and finalising paperwork with Doshisha University.... a little bit of breather after the climax va-va-voom.

A glimpse of the past few days:

Fire department briefing in the morning before inspection

Rooftop equipment safety inspection

Lift inspection...

Weights used to test lift loading

Our Kyoto office....  All these mockups, of ceiling (right top), of wall tiles (back)...and perspectives on the wall...even original competition entry plan is on the wall.
I was asked the question at an interview: "How do you feel when the finished project looks different from your design?"
My answer was: "But it always looks just like how we designed! That is the reason we are involved, to build what we designed, what we promised; we don't design something that can not be built.  And that feels great to see it coming to life."

100 days of 五穀 Wu-Gu

We have obtained Occupational Certificate for Wu-Gu on the 100th day from the start of construction.

It was opened to family and friends on FEB 15, one fine Sunday afternoon.

Soft opening to public was on FEB 17 evening.

Despite the obstacles, the space was filled with a crisp joy.

It was one of those moments - the "never been happier for not giving up" moment.

Here are some photos from Sunday FEB 15 (photo: Eugene Wu)

Followed by slideshows of the construction.

 the facade.  It is completely openable to create a seamless inside-outside connection during the day, however with the current footpath condition (which is to be paved in a couple of months time) the client is shying off the idea for the time being.

 interesting how tables chairs and tableware can make such a big change in impression...
it was suddenly a restaurant whilst less than 24 hours ago it was a construction site.

  looking back at the entry

 the solid looking facade catches glimpses of street activity.
It was designed to screen out headlights from all directions at night and maintain a level of inside-outside visual connection, to ensure comfort of the patrons.

such lovely festivity, just in time for Chinese New Year celebrations!

on the mezzanine

Love the sense of space and volume

ground level

mezzanine level

Sydney Architecture Festival - "Behind the Lens" Exhibition

Sydney Architecture Festival is on!

On the weekend it was Sydney Open, with 50+ Sydney's best loved buildings opening their doors for people.  During these 2 weeks there are numerous architectural talks, exhibitions, activities for anyone and everyone interested in architecture.

I went to see the "Behind the Lens" photographic exhibition.  Our work Sneakerology was included in the exhibition by photographer Katherine Lu. Beautiful photography works of Opera House, Apple Store, Sydney architecture / cityscape and more are also on exhibition by 5 of the Sydney architectural photographers.

"Behind the Lens" is on at The Rocks Pop Up until NOV 10, don't miss out!

The Rocks Pop Up

 

Sneakerology spotted!

 

Facet Studio x Anomaly at the Strand

The poster says it all...

Facet Studio collaborated with Anomaly to create a series of furniture for the inaugural collection.
SEP 15 - 28, be sure to drop us a visit!

More on Facet Studio x Anomaly... click HERE

Facet Studio turned 5

In the middle of the Doshisha rush, I almost forgot about an important milestone..

Facet Studio has turned 5 years old in December 2013!

We celebrated in Osaka together with Doshisha wrap-up party, for a little お疲れ様！("well done it has been tough!") and a little 頑張りましょう！("let's power on!")
In our 6th year, we are onto something more wonderful, more powerful, and more touching.

Thank you all.

 

 

Anomaly Launch!

Anomaly's very first collection was launched on October 2nd 2013.

Facet Studio's "Coexistence" furniture series is included in the inaugural collection by Anomaly, make sure you check it out while you are in the neighbourhood!

Showroom at: 104 Oxford Street (cnr Palmer) from 2 October - 17 November

To find out more about the "Coexistence" furniture series HERE.

buzzing atmosphere at the launch party!

"Coexistence" coffee table (left) and dining table (right) in front of the Anomaly sign

 

 

  

and we design this one as well!  Pop up bar for prestigious Scotch brand - Balvenie.
Best Scotch I have ever had. Honestly.
I need to blog about this one too (mental note)

curious people walking past on Oxford Street
"Coexistence" bar stool (left) and bedside table (right) 

chatting away with Anomaly's Kris (yes it is me with my big green shopper...):
"....next time we should try..."

catching up with Balvenie's Mark ....

Mark: "hmmm.......I definitely want one of these...."

Are you watching Facet Studio?

Facet Studio is "One to Watch" in this issue of Architectural Review Asia Pacific - AR130 Winter 2013.

Check it out at all good newsagents!

  

cover of AR130

Parallel Nippon / Parallel Connections

On Saturday April 13th, Yoshi has participated in Parallel Connections - a panel discussion as part of the Parallel Nippon Exhibition.

 

On Saturday, the hour-long panel discussion was taking place between the 4 panelists:
Andrew Burns, Koichi Takada, Yoshihito Kashiwagi and Peter Stutchbury.
The hour felt short.
I guess there are many topics left unexplored due to time restriction, such as role of "nature" in architectural design, and its difference between cultures, which I am always personally keen about.
It is such a rare chance though, for the wider community to have exposure to these kind of architectural discussions.

At panel discussion: from left
Andrew Burns, Koichi Takada, Yoshihito Kashiwagi, Peter Stutchbury

Full house at Parallel Connections when waiting for start

After the panel discussion... say "cheese!" guys!

Here is an extract from the official website on what is Parallel Nippon:

Parallel Nippon contains 100+ large-scale photo panels of landmark designs, architectural models and video footage. The exhibition is divided into four thematic sections: Urban, Life, Culture and Living, a cross-sectional view of Japanese society. These areas represent the revolutionary, innovative and progressive architectural achievements realised not only in Japan but across the world as projects of Japanese architects. Due to the large scale of the exhibition, it will be divided and presented into two parts.

With a specific focus on the decade of 1996 – 2006, Parallel Nippon is a collection of creative architectural solutions that reflect the social and cultural context of contemporary Japan. During the mid-1990s, Japan faced an economic recession. There was an escalation in urban migration, birth-rate was on the decline and an aging population was on the rise, transforming the standard family structure. This period became commonly known as Japan’s transition from the ‘bubble’ to ‘post bubble’ period. Faced with the rapidly changing landscape, a new generation of architects were forced to re-evaluate their approach to design from an ‘expanding city’ model to a ‘continuous city’ outlook. Their quest led to radical results and creative possibilities for the new era and beyond.

The exhibition has been travelling internationally; it will travel to other parts of Australia later this year.

Parallel Nippon Exhibition is on at Japan Foundation Gallery, L1 Chifley Plaza, until May 1st.

To find out more, please enter HERE.

Doshisha announced competition result ...in English at last!

Finally!
After 6 weeks, the competition result is now announced in English!

Have a look of what Yoshi's presentation was about (briefly), and check out the other shortlisted projects HERE.

....familier face on the bottom left corner.....

Doshisha on Australian Design Review

Facet Studio's winning scheme for Doshisha Chapel Complex is announced on Australian Design Review!

Check out the article HERE.

 

Doshisha University - Jury Presentation at Kyoto

Simple Q&A on Doshisha University Chapel Complex Competition...extract from the competition official site:

What is the Doshisha University?

Doshisha University is an educational institution founded on Christian morals and values. The school, originally the Doshisha English Academy, was established in 1875 by Joseph Hardy Neesima (Nijima Jo). Our Kyotanabe campus, located in Kyoto, gathers departments related to science and engineering, and those whose aim is the integration of arts and science. The campus is positioned as a center for an integrated education, valuing “experiment, practice, and fieldwork”, as well as an international center for advanced research, focused on “body and life, advanced technologies, and information”.

What is the Doshisha University Chapel Complex Competition about?

Currently, we plan to construct a new chapel with an expansion of the existing facilities for the Center for Christian Culture, an organization that promotes the school’s Christian education. The school owns nationally significant cultural properties on Imadegawa campus dating back to the late 1800s. This chapel too, is expected to symbolize the Christian education provided at Kyotanabe campus and valued by students, alumni and staff members.

What is the reason for the Doshisha University Chapel Complex Competition?

Selecting a designer for these religious facilities on a proposal basis.

Who were in the Judging Committee?

Eiji Hatta (Doshisya University, President)
Takashi Matsuoka (Doshisya University, Vice President)
Makoto Mizutani (Doshisya School of Theology, Department Head)
Makoto Hara (Doshisya University Center for Christian Culture, Director)
Technical Advisors
Taro Ashihara (Taro Ashihara Architects)
Waro Kishi (University of Kyoto, Professor)
Toshihito Yokouchi (Kyoto University of Art and Design, Professor)
Professional coordinator:
Shozo Baba (Institute of Information Systems Architecture, Director)

When  was the submission deadline?

2012 November 30

How many submissions were made? and From where?

The application number total 379, submission from around the world were received.

Brief description of the Judging process?

There were 5 submissions selected in the shortlist.  The shortlisted submissions were presented to the Judging panel in Doshisha University's Kyoto Imadegawa Campus, on 2013 February 03.  Final results were announced the same day.  Facet Studio was announced the winner of the Competition.

.........So what happened at the Jury Presentation for Doshisha University's Chapel Complex Competition?

Facet Studio was the 4th to present on the day of Jury Presentation; this presentation order seemed to be decided by pulling numbers out of a hat...  We have sent in Yoshi as the spokes person on our behalf, sending him our love and support from Sydney...

 

Other shortlisted presenters seemed to have made modifications to the presentation materials, we have decided not to change our submitted panel and talked from there.  There was a 10-minute plain talking presentation focusing on the philosophy behind our scheme; although this presentation style was quite different from the other presenters, it was a bit of gamble.

 

After the 5th (last) presentation, there was a discussion period of 1.5 hours amongst the Judging Committee.
It was then announced "The selected winning scheme is... from facet Studio!"

 

Yoshi was completed overwhelmed... according to him, he could hardly comprehend what exactly has just happened.
He was then requested to go up to the stage.

 

 

He received the Certificate of winning, and catalog of the competition.

 

He was then asked to say a few words about the winning.... all his talking capacity went into the presentation, and found himself short of words..
Lastly was the photo with Judging Committee, and the shortlisted presenters.
Again, he could do with some practice on smiling as well...

(Front row from left: Doshisha University Center for Christian Culture Director, Head of Theology Department, Vice President, President, Yoshi, Architect Taro Ashihara, Waro Kishi, and Toshihito Yokouchi)

Emerging Facet Studio!

Interior Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) 2012 has revealed the winners - Facet Studio has been crowned twice under International Project category and Emerging Designer!

 Me and Yoshi on stage receiving the Emerging Designer Award

Over a range of high profile projects of all different types in the inaugural International Project category, M House has won high praises from the jury for the simple beauty and persistence in bringing the idea to life.

Here is what the Jury had to say about the International category:

On top of gaining recognition for our projects, we have also brought home with us the Emerging Designer award:

Leading up to the event we have been so immersed in the actual event design itself (which will be covered in a separate entry) that we were totally unprepared for a speech...but I think we did much better than last year, shows that practice (last year at IDEA 2011, Melbourne and earlier this year at Frame Moooi Award, Milan) does make things better - please note the improvement in our facial expressions!

The Interior Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) is Australia’s largest and most successful independent design awards program. Launched by (Inside) magazine in 2003, the program celebrates the best of Australian interior and product design across 11 categories and five special awards.

To find out more about IDEA Awards:

Official Website click HERE
Official announcement click HERE
More about IDEA Awards from our blog click HERE
More about shortlist announcement click HERE

The other projects also shortlisted are:

Uchi Lounge 01 - Hospitality

Uchi Lounge 02 - Hospitality

Connect Sydney - Workplace under 1000sqm

We will try to upload more photos soon!

More love from ArchDaily

Both Uchi Lounge 01 and 02 have been published on ArchDaily!

 

 

For Uchi Lounge 01, enter HERE to read the original post.
For Uchi Lounge 02, enter HERE to read the original post.

Click HERE to see other entries on Uchi Lounge

Click HERE to see Uchi Lounge 01 in our official website

Click HERE to see Uchi Lounge 02 in our official website

Click HERE to see other entries relating to ArchDaily

ArchDaily was founded in March 2008 with the one mission of delivering the most complete information to architects around the world; every week, every day, every hour, every moment: as soon as it happens . It is the online source of continuous information for a growing community of thousands of architects searching for the latest architectural news: projects, products, events, interviews and competitions among others.