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Black Monolithic Wall Residential House by Nobuaki Miyashita |
Home > Winners > Design #160459 >Interview |
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FS: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
NM: I was inspired by the challenge of maximizing dynamic living space on a narrow, flagpole-shaped lot in Tokyo. My aim was to transform these constraints into a sculptural and functional design element.
FS: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
NM: My focus was on creating a seamless integration of architectural elements like stairs and lighting into the boundary wall, enhancing the functionality and aesthetic of the space while adhering to strict building regulations.
FS: What are your future plans for this award winning design?
NM: I plan to refine this concept further in my future projects, adapting it to different site conditions and exploring new materials and technologies.
FS: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?
NM: It took me about eight months from the initial concept to the final plans to design this project.
FS: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?
NM: This design was commissioned to meet the specific needs of a parent and their child, with an emphasis on privacy, functionality, and aesthetic integration with the site’s unique characteristics.
FS: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?
NM: The design is currently being implemented for the client's residential use. There are no plans to sell or lease the production rights as it is a custom solution.
FS: What made you design this particular type of work?
NM: I chose to develop a monolithic boundary wall to maximize space and functionality in a constrained environment, providing an innovative solution to the site’s narrow access.
FS: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?
NM: My approach was influenced by modern minimalist architecture and traditional Japanese elements, such as the tsubo-niwa, allowing for a blend of privacy, natural light, and spatial continuity.
FS: Who is the target customer for his design?
NM: The target customers for this design are individuals or small families seeking a unique, custom-designed home in densely populated urban areas.
FS: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?
NM: Unlike conventional residential designs, my project uses a boundary wall to cleverly incorporate multiple functional elements within a single architectural feature, setting it apart from other narrow lot solutions.
FS: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?
NM: “Black Monolithic Wall” reflects the design’s dominant feature—a single, powerful element that defines the property and structures the entire living space, while its color emphasizes solidity and depth.
FS: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?
NM: I utilized 3D modeling software and physical models to visualize and refine the spatial arrangement and integration of architectural elements.
FS: What is the most unique aspect of your design?
NM: The integration of the boundary wall with essential features like stairs and mailboxes, transforming a typically mundane element into the centerpiece of the design, is the most unique aspect.
FS: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?
NM: I collaborated with landscape architects for the tsubo-niwa and structural engineers to ensure that the complex forms and integrated elements were feasible and compliant with local codes.
FS: What is the role of technology in this particular design?
NM: Technology was crucial in accurately modeling the space and predicting structural challenges, especially in maximizing the use of the underground area and integrating lighting and other utilities.
FS: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?
NM: My research into local building codes and studies on light and wind circulation patterns influenced the design, ensuring it was both compliant and comfortable.
FS: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?
NM: The main challenges were the site’s narrow access and strict height regulations, which required innovative design solutions to utilize every possible space efficiently.
FS: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?
NM: I decided to submit this design to the competition to showcase how architectural creativity can overcome physical constraints and regulatory challenges, potentially setting a precedent for similar urban projects.
FS: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?
NM: Through this project, I learned more about the possibilities of integrating architecture with landscape elements and the importance of detailed modeling in constrained environments.
FS: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
NM: This project is a testament to the potential of architecture to transform limited spaces into expansive, multi-functional homes. I hope it inspires both clients and architects to think creatively about the use of space in urban settings.
FS: Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to interview you.
A' Design Award and Competitions grants rights to press members and bloggers to use parts of this interview. This interview is provided as it is; DesignPRWire and A' Design Award and Competitions cannot be held responsible for the answers given by participating designers.
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