Interview with Kotoaki Asano

Originally, I wanted to be a scientist. Scientists have to reach the only correct answer.However, I became interested in artistic approaches to numerous solutions.

I move my hands, draw sketches and decide the design.As much as possible, I emphasize that spatial diagrams clearly emerge.Furthermore, in that diagram, I am orienting something that preserves the diversity of elements.

I always want to solve many complicated conditions with simple schema.I feel great joy when it is achieved.

Creators must have many poetic images.Poetic images are visual ones, linguistic ones, and physical things.

I would like to design not only architecture but also spaces with theatrical elements.In other words, I want to embed temporal stories in spaces.

I think that the materials of the designs are not in my own idea, but between me and the opponent.Furthermore, I think that it is important to actually see more things.

I think that design is to create empties, margins and blanks.In other words, I think it is important to subtract rather than add.

I do a lot of practical work everyday.However, somewhere in the day, I emptied my head and cherish the time for ideas to spring.

First of all, I think it is important to understand firmly the work group called modern architecture classics.The state-of-the-art trends are understood as the distance from that modern classic.

Especially architecture can not fully design how to use.I think that the design, that is used beyond what I was expecting at the design stage, is a really good design.

When is the moment to end the design process, it is a really difficult problem.I think that the design process will never end.In reality, I think that the deadline of the contract etc. will finish the design.

It is a house called "Gradation in the Forest". I got inspiration from Escher 's "Metamorphosis".The theme is the gradual transformation of spaces and the arrangement of cubes of different sizes.I think that a clear answer and an entirely new method were given to the theme of space diversity.

I am interested in Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius. The interest is still continuing.Besides that, now I am interested in Alvar Aalto and Frank Gehry.

I currently live in Tokyo.In the city I saw so far, I gained a strong inspiration from the cities such as Hanoi, Naples, Barcelona, Prague, Chicago.The world is never completely internationalized. I think the strong originality of the places will remain.

I think that it is important to keep calm and gentle emotions in doing works. I think that it is important to keep calm and gentle emotions, in personal relationships and in relationships with people who work together.

More than anything, architects contribute to society through realized buildings.Next, we need to proactively present the architectural image that will come from now, leading the future image of the city.

To know objectively the value of my design. Meeting various people through it. To be able to have positive feelings for myself.Today, I think that designers can visualize the invisible will of times and society.

My studio is a very small office. My atelier designs architecture and artworks.

Design is to solve complex conditions with simple schemas.

It is a house of "Gradation in the forest" which consists of an accumulation of small metamorphosis cubes, designed in the forest.

It is a house of "Gradation in the forest".I am inspired by Escher 's picture "Metamorphosis".

It is a compound building.

It is a fervent iron as it inhaled cold air.

I will be creative in the morning when the air is cold.

In terms of architectural design, I emphasize the geometric clarity of plan views in particular.

It is a refreshing feeling when my design solves complicated conditions.

There is a discrepancy between my intention and how it is actually used.That is a very happy miscalculation.

It is very important that I do not design too much.

It is whether the density of the design is reasonable or not.

It is to prepare the background of society.I think that it is to arrange the breathing of society.

Design is not an addition. The design is to subtract.This becomes increasingly important.

Last year I exhibited at the Kameyama Triennale 2017.I would like to participate in some art festival this year as well.

From observing the principle of natural phenomena, I can draw out hints of my design.

Maintaining the diversity of elements. I will try variations of diversity.

I live in Japan.From Japanese tradition, I am trying to use phenomena like ephemeral in design.

In each case, I will cooperate with external companies as necessary.

Depending on the situation, I think that it is important that you always think about the possibilities of many designs.

Wait for the core image to come up spending idly time.After that, I draw my sketches by moving my hands, and make that image form.

Window, table, chair, shelf, objects.

Yes.It is divided from tomorrow and yesterday, but it is a day of itself today.

Please stop once, thinking that there is nothing to restrict the situation.

Negative of being a designer is to be bound to the situation.Positive of being a designer is to be able to overcome the situation.

To make it as simple as possible.

To fairly compare all possibilities and options.To judge calmly merits and demerits.

Actually going to the site.Having a sketchbook, constantly drawing ideas.Drawing drawings on a computer, making models.

Schedule conditions are often given by the client.Even so, I will spend time preparing and investigating as much as possible.

At least one year.if the project is large and complex, it will take several years.

What were the past works like?Do you have experiences of similar projects?

House of "Gradation in the forest".Poetry anthology of "Partition in the Window".

They are individuals or small corporations.

Housings and artworks.The smaller the project, the wider the possibilities of design will expand.

It is to do bigger projects which contains plenty of poetic details.

I treasure my idea as a skeleton very much.Based on that, I will realize it with the team.

I am interested in fluid, such as air and solution.

Through e-mail etc., everyone can contact me.

With the above questions, my interests are covered.