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Interview with Ryuichi Sasaki

Based in Tokyo, Japan, Ryuichi Sasaki Architecture is an architectural design firm that has gained notoriety in recent years as one of the most internationally acclaimed firms of its kind in the…

Design Legend Interview

6 January 2025

I grew up in a family where both my parents were architects. My father, in particular, studied under Mies van der Rohe and Miron Goldsmith at IIT (Illinois Institute of Technology). As for my own education, I studied under Ronald Krueck and John Ronan at IIT. Later, I completed my master's degree at Columbia University's GSAPP (Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation), where I studied under Hani Rashid and Lise-Anne Couture.

To be honest, it's the family business.

I was never encouraged by my family to pursue a career in architecture. My father often mentioned that managing an architectural design firm was not easy. However, when I was 15, we took a family trip to USA, during which we visited Crown Hall at IIT (Illinois Institute of Technology). While there, I saw the spatial studies projects of fourth-year university students, and that's when I realized I wanted to study architecture.

More Music and Cultural Hall, Museum, and Residential Projects.

I'm not a legend yet, but young designers will continue to question whether design is their true calling.

While there are many aspects to consider, a typical designer creates designs according to the client's requirements. A great designer, on the other hand, is one who can think beyond the current era and consider things from a timeless perspective.

It's not just about looking cool, but rather a design that encompasses all elements comprehensively.

Economics.

Museum to represent my view of the world design.

Secret is secret?

Mies van der Rohe, Ronald Krueck, John Ronan, Hani Rashid, Lise-Anne Couture

The common thread is that they all translate the will of the era into space.

The common thread is that they all translate the will of the era into space.

Always be humble.

Stock Dealer.

To have functionality.

Ronald Krueck, John Ronan, Hani Rashid, Lise-Anne Couture, Hideyo Noguchi.

Always be humble.

Always be humble.

It depends on the designers.

More Music and Cultural Hall, Museum, and Residential Projects. And please give us international projects.

Always approach the kernel.

Always approach the kernel.

Something becoming a catalyst or trigger for something else

Something becoming a catalyst or trigger for something else

Frame Iga Complex, Ideareve Ikegami. These projects demonstrate examples of a new concept in multi-purpose architecture.

AI will undoubtedly transform spaces.

AI will undoubtedly transform spaces.

It depends on the projects.

First, we consider a segment configuration that meets the most basic functions.

Good Health.

2D and 3D Cad.

It occupies a very significant element, but that's not everything.

Please ask us for more details.

We have a lot of co-design in the past.

more Artists rather than Architects.

At school, Ronald Krueck, John Ronan, Hani Rashid, Lise-Anne Coture. At work, Hideyo Noguchi.

Mies van der Rohe.

I think it is not easy to become famous, which I have not reached yet.

Spring is my favorite.

It's a shame that we don't often come across interesting things soon.

I am still not a great designer yet, so I hope it will come someday like that.

Not at all. I was not even thinking of becoming an architect.

I'm looking forward to seeing what remains from our current era 1000 years from now.

Thank you for this wonderful award. Please take a look at the work for this award again. Thank you.

Designer Interview

6 January 2025

My journey to becoming an architect was greatly influenced by my family environment. My paternal grandfather was a civil engineer who was involved in the design of the Ogouchi Dam, a major water source for Tokyo, and also served as the on-site general supervisor. It seems he was also involved in civil engineering projects in Qingdao when it was part of Japanese territory during his time. Influenced by my grandfather, my father began studying architecture and went on to study under Mies van der Rohe and his student Miron Goldsmith at the Illinois Institute of Technology's graduate school. Growing up in a family of architects, I loved drawing floor plans from a very young age.

My grandfather and father started an architectural design firm. When my father initially retired, I took over the firm, continuing its legacy.

Unlike art, design is created with the assumption that it will be used by people. Art, on the other hand, primarily focuses on expressing the artist's intent. In my work, I always strive to consider elements that bridge both art and design23.
Design is fundamentally about solving problems and serving a specific purpose, while art is more about personal expression and evoking emotions610. However, this doesn't mean that design lacks creativity or that art can't be functional. The relationship between art and design is complex and often symbiotic4.
As a professional working in both fields, I recognize the importance of balancing functionality with aesthetic appeal. Design must be user-centered and objective in its approach, whereas art can be more subjective and open to interpretation710. By considering aspects of both disciplines, I aim to create work that is not only practical and effective but also visually compelling and emotionally resonant48.
This approach allows me to leverage the strengths of both art and design, resulting in creations that are both purposeful and expressive. It's about finding the sweet spot where functionality meets creativity, and where problem-solving intersects with personal vision.

I love designing buildings, regardless of their purpose. My areas of expertise include music halls, multi-family housing, commercial facilities, and art museums.
Architectural design is my passion, and I find joy in creating structures for various functions. While I enjoy working on all types of buildings, I have developed particular proficiency in certain specialized areas. Music halls, with their unique acoustic requirements, present an exciting challenge that allows me to blend technical expertise with artistic vision. Multi-family housing projects give me the opportunity to create comfortable living spaces that foster community. Commercial facilities require a keen understanding of both aesthetics and functionality to support business needs. Art museums demand a delicate balance between creating a space that showcases artwork effectively while being an artistic statement in itself.
These diverse project types allow me to explore different aspects of architectural design, from acoustics and spatial planning to lighting and visitor flow. Each type of building presents its own set of challenges and opportunities, which keeps my work engaging and allows me to continually grow as an architect.

What is my favorite design? It might be creating a unique atmosphere for each facility.
As an architect, I find great joy in crafting distinct environments that evoke specific emotions and experiences for each project. This process of creating a unique "world" or atmosphere for different facilities is perhaps my favorite aspect of design.
Architectural atmosphere is the result of carefully orchestrating various design elements to evoke a particular sensory experience7. It's about how spaces make us feel, often on a subconscious level.

As a company's design approach, it could be said that the focus is on striving to fulfill the dreams of those who desire design.

One of my greatest interests is translating the zeitgeist into spatial form. In the current era, the worldview shaped by AI presents itself as a significant theme to explore.By focusing on translating the spirit of our times into architectural language, we can create spaces that not only serve current needs but also anticipate and shape future ways of living and working. This approach keeps architecture relevant and forward-thinking, ensuring that our built environment evolves alongside technological and societal progress.

Indeed, it's often during travel, such as on an airplane, when ideas suddenly come to mind.

Creating a worldview through art is a powerful and transformative process. It involves using artistic expression to construct a comprehensive perspective or vision of reality, often encompassing philosophical, cultural, and emotional elements.

It's probably more when the project is completed rather than during the design process.
This sentiment reflects a common experience among designers and creators across various fields. While the design process itself is often exciting and intellectually stimulating, there's a unique satisfaction that comes with seeing a project through to completion.

Indeed, I previously mentioned that my favorite aspect of design might be creating a unique atmosphere or worldview for each facility. This preference aligns more with the design process itself rather than the completion of a project.

This idea of conceptual integrity or coherence in art is indeed crucial. It means that the underlying concept or idea of the artwork is consistent and well-executed throughout the piece. This consistency ensures that all elements of the work - from its form and materials to its presentation - align with and support the central concept9.

Whether or not there are contradictions in the design is also a significant factor.
Contradictions in design can play a crucial role in the creative process and the overall impact of a project.

Designers bear social responsibility.

While the fundamental framework of the design industry itself may not change significantly, the boundaries between different industries are likely to gradually blur. We can expect to see powerful entities increasingly taking on design responsibilities across a wide range of domains.

If I recall correctly, there was an event in New York last fall featuring designs from 40 countries around the world. I believe the sponsor was A' Design Award.

Modern art refers to artistic works produced roughly from the 1860s to the 1970s, characterized by a departure from traditional styles and experimentation with form and content8. This movement encompasses a wide range of styles and approaches.

Translating the spirit of the times into spatial form and creating a unique worldview for each space.
This concept encapsulates a profound approach to architectural design that goes beyond mere functionality.

While I'm based in Tokyo, I make it a point to travel abroad regularly. Upon returning from these international trips, I find I'm able to reassess my position in Tokyo.De

I am Director CEO.

In recent years, it has become increasingly challenging due to remote work.
The shift towards remote work has introduced new complexities and challenges to the professional landscape. While remote work offers numerous benefits, it also presents unique difficulties:

First, we consider a basic plan that adheres to fundamental principles that anyone could think of. From there, we explore whether to flip it 180 degrees or how it might evolve.
This approach aligns with the concept of "180-degree thinking," a creative strategy used in design and problem-solving.

audio, desk, etc.,

It is both short and long.

Always be humble.

Being able to constantly think about design embodies both aspects.

Continuously approaching the essence of translating the spirit of the times.

It's not about digital tools or techniques, but rather the pursuit of a way of thinking.
This statement encapsulates a fundamental aspect of design thinking and creative problem-solving. It emphasizes that the core of innovation and effective design lies not in the tools or specific techniques used, but in cultivating a particular mindset and approach to challenges.

Transportation and iPad.

It seems I haven't succeeded in management with difficult problems.

It seems I haven't succeeded in management with difficult problems.

As it's constantly changing, it may not be the same.

As it's constantly changing, it may not be the same.

Private owner, and Comapany CEO.

I try to find interest in every project I work on.

I'd like to challenge myself with larger-scale projects.

I'd like to challenge myself with larger-scale projects.

Most of the projects are still under confidential.

Email or Introduce by some contact.

Thank you for this opportunity.
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