Interview with Hiroaki Iwasa

When I was a child, I spent time not only in various parts of Japan but also in Jakarta, Indonesia due to my father's work.
In a well-ventilated house with a courtyard and a pond, I would paint, do crafts, or run to the top of the roof to fly a kite and watch the bright red sunset beyond the mosque while listening to adhan. At that time, I didn't know that the buildings where I spent memorable times, such as relaxing meals with my family and vacationing at seaside hotels, were designed by architects.
During his high school days, he spent most of his time living in the dormitory and playing rugby, making it to near the top of the national tournament, the pinnacle of high school rugby, but when it came time to think about his future, he couldn't think of anything other than becoming an architect instead of a rugby player.
When I was a student at the Department of Architecture at Musashino Art University, I not only worked on university projects, but also interned at numerous architectural firms such as Arata Isozaki, Riken　Yamamoto, and Organization Office, while on vacation I carried a backpack and traveled to India and Sri Lanka. I voraciously enjoyed the various landscapes, cultures, and lifestyles of Mexico, Spain, and other countries. The background to many of these experiences was that architecture is everywhere, indispensable to people, and good architecture brings excitement.
I am fascinated not only by historical buildings and buildings designed by famous architects, but also by anonymous buildings where people are dynamic and make up the landscape, and I wanted to design such a building myself someday.
From my experience as a student, I was attracted to the idea of ​​quickly acquiring practical design skills and actually designing buildings one by one, so I chose this career path.

No matter the size or purpose of the design, I follow the steps of hearing from the client, investigating the situation, discovering the problem, researching solutions, researching prototypes, refining and completing. What unites various projects is my attitude of honestly facing each project one by one.

First and foremost, I strive to understand the current situation of the project, including the client's requests, and what the project should look like in the future.After chaotic trial and error, when I find the light, that is the time. Moments like when Columbus put up the egg.
Until the project is completed, I have enough experience with the image and mock-ups, so although it is not new, I feel satisfied and am very excited to see how it will be utilized by clients and society.

Valuable non-design skills that architects and designers should possess are imagination, curiosity, communication, patience, a personality that enjoys everything, empathy for others, an altruistic spirit rather than selfishness, a sense of mission, and a sense of responsibility. I believe that.
These are not things that can be learned through academic design research, but I think they are basic skills that I have acquired through my upbringing and life.One of my main experiences was playing rugby, where each individual brings their own abilities to help the team win.

The record of my personal growth is each projects I have completed so far. I have ample experience and skills as I have designed various products, furniture, interiors, and architecture. In the future, I would like to go to an unknown place and create architecture that will be cherished by the area and its people.

I think it is important for designers to have a humble attitude of serving clients and society, and a sense of mission to solve problems on their own. To that end, I think it is important to gain a lot of practical experience and hone your own practical skills so that knowledge from others or criticism from others does not take up most of your work.

Design is an act that creates new value that has never existed before, so when approaching a project, we can create new values ​​and worlds by questioning conventional conventions and preconceived notions.
It's no fun to make things using the same values ​​and methods as before.

My day consists of running along the river in the morning, then quickly cooking a simple, well-balanced meal and eating it with my family before riding my bike to work. It takes about 40 minutes to pass through main roads, riversides, and parks, so I can feel the change of seasons and feel refreshed. This is also training for a triathlon.
At work, I take a shower, water and feed the plants and fish in the aquarium, and then check my email and plan out the day's tasks.Then, I study and brush up the layout of the project while writing the manuscript and communicating and checking with the site and collaborators. Making it a habit to cook lunch in 20 minutes will not only change my mood, but also give me time to think about how to use your kitchen more efficiently.
In the afternoon, I often go to the site and spend time checking, holding meetings, and giving instructions. Sometimes I make mockups in my office.
Sweets during tea time are a must.
In the evening, after attending an exhibition opening reception or meeting with friends, I go home and cook and eat dinner with my family. It's a day like that.

I look at the latest trends, but I don't follow them. Fashion trends change rapidly and are interesting, but in architecture, I think we need designs that can be used for a long time and provide universal comfort, rather than the commercial and expendable pursuit of following trends.

The best way to judge whether a design is good or appropriate is to try it out.
It's not something you can understand just by looking at it or listening to an explanation. In other words, good images and good explanations are important, but I think it's important that a good design itself makes you smile when you actually use it.

I think the design should be completed on the spot. However, even once the project is complete, it is necessary to check and improve it from time to time, such as verifying it after a certain period of time, making improvements if defects are discovered, and making changes to respond to changes in the times. I think that is my responsibility as a designer.
The same applies to mass-produced products such as home appliances, as well as one-of-a-kind architecture.

There are several works that I am proud of. In particular, for the children who will be responsible for the future,I designed a nursery school in a concrete building area in the center of Tokyo that is covered with plants all the way to the roof, where they can experience the plants and the sky. Designing a ceremony hall for a temple that inherits the memories of local people and the history of the region. Designing a hillside house where a couple and their dog can live happily together.
I'm proud of the fact that I've met wonderful clients and environments, and that they've been happy with the results of my designs. I'm looking forward to seeing what their future holds there.

Achille Castiglioni, Luis Barragan, Jeffrey Bawa, Renzo Piano, Kenzo Tange, Fumihiko Maki...My favorite architects and designers.

I live in Tokyo, Japan. Raised in Jakarta, Indonesia, traveled to various landscapes and cities such as India, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Turkey, Greece, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Morocco, Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, Cuba, and the United States. Did.
I loved seeing what people enjoyed and what they were looking for in each town. As an architect, I acquire creative skills while communicating with such communities and people, which I use to help with design and my own life.

As an architect, I think every day that I want to contribute to people and society and create a better future. Although I work alone in the studio, I have worked on various projects in collaboration with experts in other fields. In order to work together, you need to master your own specialty and I think it's important to enjoy it, and that's how I want to be as well. I believe that by approaching the project honestly and with a sense of responsibility, we can deliver a happy design.

As an architect, if there is an opportunity to do charity work, I would definitely like to do it.
I contributed to the high school that raised me by designing the 30th anniversary hall. I believe that the classrooms for the IBDP curriculum and the multipurpose hall for exchange presentations were useful for the students who will be responsible for the international future society.It is Meikei Highschool Agora Hall project.
I think architects and construction companies need to use their abilities more proactively to help people who are struggling with basic living needs. Especially in disaster areas, it is necessary to respond quickly, and I think that support from the government is essential.

Architecture is rooted in the region and the designer, so by participating in the competition, the first thing you can do is see how the regional characteristics and unique designs are evaluated from a global perspective. Second, the evaluation itself has a positive impact on the area and architecture.Third, as architects themselves put their projects into words and organize their philosophies, I think more and more architects will aim to improve their skills in order to create better architecture.
When it comes to architecture projects, applying for awards and being featured in the media tend to take a backseat. (At least for me) However, unlike awards and media that tend to chase new topics, A' Design Award is open to applications even if it has been a number of years, and after a certain amount of time has passed, it has been conveniently satisfied with clients and the region. I applied because it was an award I could apply for to make them proud.
And I think it's important that we were able to win this award, and that we were able to confirm that it was an international and universal design that was not easily forgotten or wasted, but also had a variety of cultural perspectives.
I am happy to think that this is the reason why I was chosen as Designer of the Day.

thank you very much.

I decided to become an architect because I believed that ideas and research based on my own sensibilities could contribute to solving problems for people and the environment, and helping people spend their time happily.

I became a designer by choice.

I design devices that move people and allow them to spend time comfortably.
This applies not only to the limited design of buildings, but also to products such as furniture and accessories that people use, interiors that include products and architecture, external structures of buildings, and cities where buildings are elements.
I have received high praise from clients in each field, so I am interested in designing these as a whole. For example, I am interested in designing small accommodation facilities that take advantage of the attractive natural environment and design the environment, architecture, interior, and products.

I think it is important to have kindness and sensitivity towards the people around you and the environment, and to acquire a sense of mission and responsibility to try to make the situation better.

I think it depends on the evaluation from others, and the difference between gaining universal sympathy or not.

The evaluation of whether a design is good or not depends on various criteria. I believe that truly good design is important to solve essential problems and then gain a well-balanced reputation among clients, society, and history.

One of the important values ​​of good design is its appeal to make people happy. I think people who find the design attractive should invest in it. People who don't find it attractive won't invest.

If I had enough time and money, I would like to design a place for myself to spend time in. My life will end if I say such things.

Seaside restaurants and stays.

Let's keep it a secret because it won't be a secret anymore.

I don't have a specific person to draw inspiration from. In the project, I get inspiration from facing the situation and requests and repeating trial and error.

Yoyogi Gymnasium in Tokyo by Kenzo Tange. Because it gives me the courage to design as an architect.

I think the next project will probably be the best one.

I think it's important to keep improving without being satisfied with the current situation.

A restaurant owner/chef or a United Nations ambassador.
Because I want to use my efforts and techniques to bring satisfaction and smiles, and to help people in need.

I believe that design is an act that brings good fortune by solving problems for clients and society through its functionality and beauty.

It's my clients, my collaborators, my family, and the people I've met.

It's a sense of mission.

It is the most difficult and important thing to encounter a project every time

I think it is important for designers to express themselves for the benefit of their clients and society, and without that, there is no self-expression.

A small product and mountain villa project is about to start.

My goal as an architect is to be able to provide a better future for my clients and society through each design.

I think people expect designers to show them an exciting daily life and a better world by solving problems through design.

I believe that design provides concrete functionality and a beautiful world in order to realize a better society.

I am excited and looking forward to the next new projects. Unfortunately, I can't talk about specifics yet.

Kounji Temple, which I designed in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. This project was designed by reusing some of the old materials from the former facility, which had been loved by the local community since its relocation 140 years ago.
Therefore, it is a valuable piece of architecture that preserves not only the history of the temple but also the memory of the community to future generations.

The design industry changes rapidly, so I think it's important that it continues to change.

I think the design field will continue to expand and move upstream.

The time it takes to complete depends on the size of the design project.

First, start by objectively understanding the situation without any preconceived notions.

Be honest and optimistic

Trends are results, so I think design is what creates them.

The role of technology in design is as a means of thinking and expression.

I use a Mac and Vectorworks software.

They are elements to integrate as a design. In addition, the element of size is also important. What is important in design is how each of these is handled, assembled, and harmonized.

I want people to ask about the story of the project, not how to express it.

The moment I see a great design or product, I imagine myself happily using it. I think that's a great design.

I do not specify a design partner, but proceed with the design with the partners required by the project.

It's hard to limit it to one person because it affects so many people.
I am influenced by a variety of people including architects, craftsmen, artists, and thinkers.

Vingt mille lieues sous les mers:Jules Verne

My practical skills were honed through the realization of many projects.

Jules Verne

Awards and evaluations are the result of just a few coincidences, so I don't think we should judge them from the outside. I'm not aiming to become famous, so I don't know if it's difficult or not.

My favorite color is deep ocean blue, my favorite place is the seaside, my favorite food is local food, my favorite season is summer, and I don't care about products or brands.

During my Great Journey before becoming independent, I saw the scenery, cityscapes, and local people's lives around the world, and met and talked with people. I happened to be sitting next to a Japanese couple on a morning bus in Nice, France, and I had a 5-minute conversation with them.After that, we continued to interact.
a few years later, they planning to build a house, but things weren't going as planned. In Japan, once the land is decided, the design details are often decided by the partner construction company, and the couple did not like the details. So, I after listening carefully to what kind of lifestyle the couple wanted, I gave them one week to propose the best plan based on the results of nearly 100 studies.
As a result, the couple realized that this was exactly the kind of house they wanted. So I asked them "If you really want to make this design a reality, please let me support you with more detailed design and construction supervision until completion.
then, I was able to receive approval.
That became my first project.
A comfortable home built on the hillside overlooking the forest behind the house has been completed.
I still remember they told me, ``Mr. Iwasa, thank you for the wonderful house!'' when I were leaving.

I start my day off by feeling good in the morning. Cooking my favorite breakfast myself for my family is one of them.

When I was a kid, it didn't matter if I was great or not, I just wanted to have fun designing and make everyone happy, and I still think that way.

I have no idea what will happen in 1000 years, but I think it will be either prosperity or extinction.I think the results will change depending on the smart choices people make today. I think the key is the philosophy of "Chisoku" without becoming greedy.

I consider myself an optimistic and friendly person. Let's have fun and do our best to create a better future together.

Hiroaki Iwasa Architects Workshop is an architectural design office founded in Tokyo in 1998 by Hiroaki Iwasa with the aim of providing people with a better future.
In each project, I repeatedly research the situation based on dialogue with the client in order to solve essential issues and provide designs with new added value.
Based on this concept, I have designed a variety of projects surrounding humans, including crafts, products, furniture, interiors, architecture, and urban design, and have achieved many results.

I believe that design is a way to solve various issues, create new value, and make people happy.

I like designing spaces where people can spend time comfortably in a natural environment.

I can't narrow it down to just one thing.

My experience is system architecture of steel structures. It is a system architecture that is semi-customized to suit the purpose, such as a warehouse or factory.

My favorite materials are wood, steel, glass,and concrete. When it comes to technology, I like things that don't look like black boxes, but that I can understand how they work.

When I feel most creative is when I can see a new world with a simple solution to a complex problem or challenge.

When I design, I focus on whether the design is clear and whether it will lead to a happy future.

When I design, my team and I design with a strong sense of mission and responsibility to ensure that I solve problems and make our clients and wider society happy.

When my design becomes a reality, I walk around in my own image so much that I feel a sense of déjà vu and a sense of curiosity about how the client and society will use it.

I believe that the key to successful design is sharing issues with clients and society.

I believe that the criteria for determining whether a design is good or bad is the way a problem is perceived and the way it is solved.

I believe that the role that designers play in solving social and environmental issues is not yet fully recognized, and that we will soon be in an era in which designers will have to take on the role of fulfilling this great responsibility.

I believe that the field of design should be used more actively as a means of solving social issues. I think we need to make more of an appeal to society that design has such potential.

If I remember correctly, it was an exhibition in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It was the "Anti Podas Exhibition" about Japanese architecture. No next exhibition scheduled yet.

My inspiration for design is to take the client's request as a starting point and seriously consider the project situation. I discover inspiration through honest research and prototyping.

I don't stick to superficial decoration or a certain style. Projects come in various styles depending on the client and the situation, as I face the issues myself and flexibly implement the optimal solution after receiving consultation from the client.
I think if there are 100 clients in the same situation, there will be 100 different styles, and if the situation changes, even the same client will have different styles.

I think it's a personal difference, not the country you live in.
I live in Tokyo. Although I have a deep understanding of Japanese culture and embody it, I have traveled all over the world and lived in Jakarta as a child, so I am able to adapt to various cultural ideas and values from a flexible perspective and find the best way to do so. I think being able to design solutions is an advantage.
The disadvantage may be that it is difficult to understand the nationality.

As an independent architect, I do not work with any particular company. I form flexible teams with the most suitable members for each project to solve problems.

I think client companies gain great power by collaborating with designers. Each designer has different abilities. Therefore, I think it is better for companies to collaborate with designers that suit the purpose each time, rather than just collaborating with a specific designer.

No matter the size or purpose of the design, we follow the steps of hearing from the client, investigating the situation, discovering the problem, researching solutions, researching prototypes, refining and completing.
And I think it is essential to face each other honestly at every stage.

Deck chairs on the terrace. An elephant figurine found in India.
A self-designed self-assembled bookshelf. Floss floor lamp. A writing desk from the Li Dynasty.

There are many changes such as going to the mountains, going to the sea, flying in the sky, being hot or cold, sunny or raining heavily, etc.

When designing, I think it is important to not be selfish and to remember the spirit of altruism.

Being a designer is a good thing because you can look forward to thinking about how you can make things better, but on the other hand, it can be a bad thing to end up putting yourself on the back burner.

The "golden rule" is about having a thorough understanding of the entire project.

I think the most important skill for a designer is the ability to solve problems and integrate them into new worlds.

My basic tools are ears to listen to the wishes of clients and the opinions of my collaborators, eyes to investigate and check processes, hands to repeatedly sketch and prototype, a brain to solve problems and come up with ideas, and a heart to create a better future.

We meet final deadlines, but manage intermediate stages appropriately by being flexible.

It depends on the scale of the object and the accuracy of the details.

A question I am often asked is: What inspired this design? is.

Every project is a different and valuable experience. Feedback from carpenter and the field regarding my designs is important.

Clients include a variety of people, including companies, schools, nursery schools, chefs, religious people, and individuals.

Projects that are commissioned to me with trust and expectations are the most rewarding and enjoyable.

Planning is about to begin for a complex of urban housing and worship facilities.

I run my own design office.

I'm sorry, but I'm not at the stage where I can talk about the details as the design is still chaotic and I'm still going through trial and error.

You can always contact me directly via my website or Instagram.
Website: http://www.iwasa-arch.com/
Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/hiroakiiwasaarchitectsworkshop/