Japanese architecture is a study in mixing the best of tradition and modernity

Our first joint project, Rhythm Asoke II, was followed by Aspire Sathorn-Thapra. Our collaboration started from creating the concept for each project, where we determined that Japanese sensibility would prevail in the design of various functions, from the main entrance to the shared common areas such as the lobbies, gardens and paths. This concept extended to even the sales office and the showrooms, which we hope project a warm and peaceful home replete with various conveniences. 

Both the Thai and Japanese designers shared ideas about key architectural elements and details that they thought were representative of Japanese design and adapted them to suit the target consumer.

Over the course of working together, I noted the ability of the Japanese designers to present Japanese architectural and design elements clearly, and explain the rationale behind their traditional designs that we often see and had previously taken for granted without understanding their function. By educating us, they made it easier for our team to adopt and adapt those ideas to suit our purposes in a way that added value to our projects. Some observations that I would like to share are the following.

First, Having a deep and genuine understanding of how and why traditional design ideas emerged allows us to adapt them to contemporary lifestyles without making any fundamental mistakes because the changes we make are not merely about copying Japanese patterns, using Japanese fonts or materials.

Second, the external appearance of many beautiful large buildings and rooms comprises many factors, therefore it is necessary to grasp and grapple with all the details that collectively contribute to the most significant parts of the design. For instance, in designing the linking areas between the interior and exterior, which the Japanese call engawa, does not only mean providing an outdoor terrace to the rooms. These spaces require careful consideration of which materials should be used as flooring in both the interior and exterior, and how to adapt the design of the sunscreen, which has a distinct form.

Third, in applying the basic knowledge from the first point and paying attention to details from the second point, we can see that it is necessary to study and understand the context so that the audience, in this case the Thai design team, understands and can fully adapt those design ideas. The skills of Japanese designers to convey these ideas clearly also illustrates the art of communicating that lies at the heart of marketing, which aims to create a continuous dialogue with consumers so they understand the additional value to the products.

The last and most significant point is that Japanese designers unabashedly demonstrate their pride in their national identity and are proud to continue adapting and incorporating traditional design ideas as much as possible, without caring whether they are modern enough or attractive to the target consumers.

It is for these reasons that the Japanese have been able to retain their distinct traditional styles and seamlessly adapt these designs to present-day lives. We can see how many Japanese traditional arts have attracted many people to study them, such as flower arranging, origami, and gift-wrapping. Thus the popularity and relevance of these distinctly Japanese arts is fundamental to explaining why Japanese traditional design continues to thrive in modern society.

We should also rethink how we engage different aspects of Thai identity. I have pondered over whether we have adapted Thai architectural design sufficiently so that it is modern enough, or whether we should seek out other forms of art and culture that can be adapted so they are more accepted and popular. After all, no one should want anything that we regard as a part of Thai identity to be relegated to an ancient art form that is only studied in museums. 

Instead, these elements should remain an integral aspect of life through the considered adaptation and development of new and viable forms so they are used in a way that suit our daily lives today.