The sea and architecture

The sea and architecture

table of contents
statement
Interviews with architectural giants about the sea
Architectural Map of the Sea 30
Essay: "Gathering Light in the Sea"
MAP

statement

"Meaning" is a concept that emerges in the relationship between humans and the world. The "sea" is, in its essence, simply something that exists. Only when humans intervene does the existence of "meaning" become apparent. And "architecture" is filled with the history of how humans have perceived the meaning of the sea, and the relationship between the sea and humanity.

These structures were built to protect people from the sea. People needed architecture to protect themselves from the ever-changing conditions of the ocean.
The aim was to offer a view of the sea. The architecture functioned as a device to make the seascape feel more intimate.
Things that nurture life at sea. In cities like Venice and Marseille, the rich sea has given rise to unique architectural forms that nurture the lives of the people.

This exhibition delves into the role of "architecture" as a mediator between humans and the sea.

In "The Sea: Interviews with Architectural Giants," we explore the relationship between humans, the sea, and architecture. Through interviews with four master architects, we delve into what constitutes a desirable relationship between them.

In "The 30th Map of Sea Architecture," we've mapped out fascinating "sea architecture" throughout Japan. Surrounded by the sea on all sides, Japan is a treasure trove of sea architecture. We encourage you to find your next travel destination among them.

Writer Minori Kai selected Togo Murano's "Shima Kanko Hotel" from a map and wrote an essay about her experience there titled "Gathering Light by the Sea." It depicts the beautiful scenery inherent in the relationship between the sea and architecture.

Architecture is the very story of us humans who love the sea.
I highly recommend visiting the exhibition in person and experiencing the story for yourself.

Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who cooperated with us in making this exhibition possible.

director
Kumiko Sato

Interviews with architectural giants

Interviews with architectural giants
Álvaro Siza
“"Having been born near the sea, I've always longed for the sound of the ocean and the sirens I hear on foggy nights."”

— Álvaro Siza
Álvaro Siza

— Richard Wood (Snøhetta)
Richard Wood (Snøhetta)

山本理顕

— Riken Yamamoto
Riken Yamamoto

内藤廣

— Noshi Naito
Hiroshi Naito

Architectural Map of the Sea 30

Architectural Map of the Sea 30

Essay: "Gathering Light in the Sea"

Essay: "Gathering Light in the Sea"

"Which architectural site would you choose as your travel destination?"
When asked, writer Minori Kai, after much deliberation, answered "Shima Kanko Hotel," designed by Togo Murano. Her experience of that trip, which she promptly made into a reality, became the subject of her newly written essay, "Gathering Light by the Sea." Immerse yourself in the words filled with the allure of the sea, architecture, and travel, and choose your travel destination from the "Architectural Map of the Sea."
Where would you go?

"Architectural Map of the Sea"
30 carefully selected locations from all over Japan

"Architectural Map of the Sea"
30 carefully selected locations from all over Japan

Director: Kumiko Sato (3710Lab)
Realization & Text: Yoshinao Yamada
Realization: Hanako Kono, Miki Tamura (3710Lab)