Q1 2021

21 Q1 2021 BUILD split-house design, seemed obvious, but there were practical considerations too. The team had to create a building with a strong structure which, rather than closing off to protect from typhoons, would open infinitely towards the outside. A large roof with deep eaves would create an environment where the owners could rest, as if sitting under trees. steel, concrete, and wood were used to create a secure building that could stand any force that nature could throw at it. One of the key aspects of the design was the use of shadows, created by beams of light, entering through the gap between the floating roof and the walls. This recreated experiences of Mr. Matsuyama as a child, and proved key to creating a space that captures some of the wonder of the area at large. In many ways, this extraordinary project reflects the approach of Matsuyama Architect and Associates. The team follow a process that is both practical and artistic, that captures the old while embracing the new. They create a space that people will be able to enjoy for years to come. Company: Matsuyama Architect and Associates Contact: Soichi Inami Website: www.matsuyama-a.co.jp Jun20520 AContemporary Success Story! Working in a contemporary style doesn’t mean working to the standards of tomorrow, it means meeting the needs of people today. That’s what the team at Matsuyama Architect and Associates do with every project. We take a closer look following their tremendous success in the Architecture Awards 2020 where they were named Best Contemporary Architecture Studio 2020 – Japan. nder the leadership of Masakatsu Matsuyama, the firm of Matsuyama Architect and Associates has gone from strength to strength. With a design led ap- proach that has allowed the team to take advantage of many different opportunities, their firm has won many awards for their work. Based in Fukuoka, Kyusyu, Japan, some of the most significant achievements that the team have made have been through working locally and meeting the needs of those who live in the area. Much of the architectural philosophy that he brings to each project is influenced by his birthplace, Amami Oshima, one of the southern islands in the Kyushu-region. First and foremost, this approach inspires an attitude that puts people first. The area has a bilateral environment which is warm with a gentle climate and an intimate community. These aspects have inspired many different projects, which have allowed the team to achieve some incredible architectural feats. An example of his delicate approach to design can be seen in his House for Parents project. This was designed for an elderly couple who had spent their entire lives making Oshima Tsumugi (woven fabric), a traditional craft of Amami Oshima. Using some of the features of traditional houses in the area, such as the U