{"id":569,"date":"2021-08-19T20:55:13","date_gmt":"2021-08-19T11:55:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/inst\/wihl-annex\/?p=569"},"modified":"2021-10-01T19:47:51","modified_gmt":"2021-10-01T10:47:51","slug":"creators-of-an-unprecedented-world-2%e3%80%80an-interview-with-the-designer-of-wihls-interior-space-as-the-reading-areas-near-completion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/inst\/wihl-annex\/news-en\/569","title":{"rendered":"Creators of an Unprecedented World #2\u3000An interview with the designer of WIHL\u2019s interior space as the reading areas near completion"},"content":{"rendered":"

Creating spaces where each visitor feels welcome<\/h2>\n
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Sh\u014dtar\u014d Nara (TANSEISHA Co., Ltd.)<\/p><\/div>\n

We visited the Building 4 construction site as renovations were nearing completion. The contractor, TANSEISHA, was proceeding with the remaining work at a rapid pace. TANSEISHA is a specialist in the creation of unique spaces in a variety of fields, including enterprise, event creation, public works and culture. They are an iconic company for people in the industry. In addition to TANSEISHA\u2019s stylish creations\u2014which include shops and restaurants in Shibuya Scramble Square, and the Toshima City Tokiwaso Manga Museum\u2014they also design practical spaces, such as clinics and hotels. You have likely encountered some of the public spaces they\u2019ve created.<\/p>\n

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As we step into WIHL, the first thing that strikes the eye is the presentation of the walls. They have the warmth of wooden texture paired with design features that reflect the energy of creative, playful minds. We spoke with Sh\u014dtar\u014d Nara, one of the main designers of the project. He is in charge of the reading areas in the facility. He consistently radiates an attitude of respect and consideration for the artisans and carpenters on the construction site. In the midst of all the bustling activity, he impresses with his ready smile.<\/p>\n

Nara explains, \u201cWe managed to get this done in time. I am proud that we\u2019ve been able to create a good space here. I think this is particularly good because there is no self-assertion here.\u201d
\n[No self-assertion? What does that mean?]
\n\u201cWIHL\u2019s concept is \u2018Explore Your Story, Speak Your Heart,\u2019 isn\u2019t it? The core users of the library are the visitors, so we just tried to create a space where they could feel calm and relaxed, and they can feel welcome. If people can feel that, we will have achieved our vision.\u201d
\nAs Nara\u2019s words suggest, the large table in the center of the reading area may serve to create an amicable connection between visitors who just happen to find themselves side by side. We can imagine them talking about the books in front of them. The space feels as if it could become the transporter of readers, acting as an invitation to move from the ordinary to the extraordinary.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Nara continued, \u201cOn the other hand, we also tried to create a place where the visitors can concentrate on reading. I hope they will enjoy the cocoon chairs that our team created.\u201d Of course he has always kept foremost in his mind the people who want to immerse themselves in the world of a book. This reading space is unique in that it provides for both possibilities: people opening up and communicating, and people focusing intently on what they are reading.
\nWhen asked if he could describe any difficulties that he experienced in the process, Nara began, \u201cWell, I can\u2019t think of anything in particular.\u201d Eventually he reflected, \u201cI really don\u2019t care about the hardships of the past. When I work, my motto is to find a way to embody the clients\u2019 wishes and intentions and then develop a means of enacting that. It\u2019s my job, of course, but I\u2019m doing it because it\u2019s more fun than anything else. It\u2019s been about a year since I was lucky enough to join this project team. There were some unexpected developments, and some things had to be redone. I can\u2019t say that there were no days that I wish had never happened. Nevertheless, if I end up creating a space that makes people want to visit again and again, that would bring me ultimate happiness.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Nara\u2019s smile once again refreshed us, just as it had done throughout our visit.<\/p>\n

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Links<\/h3>\n