For relaxing times, make it Suntory times. Far from lost in translation, the Tokyo leg of the 2015 Dulux Study Tour began at the “kiddy crack” Fuji Kindergarten by Tezuka Architects. As the principal of the school said “a tree is equally as good as children’s play equipment.
Next up was Tama Art University Library by Toyo Ito with its mesmerisingly obvious, but extraordinary Niemeyer-esque arched structural system and smooth transition from hillside to concrete slab.
The Yokohama Terminal by Foreign Office invited much needed downtime and cooling sea breeze as we lay on the undulating timber surfaces.
The Nagakin Capsule Hotel still stands in full glory and a cheeky peek (we were officially “guests of one of the residents”) at the interior rounded off the days official itinerary.
Dinner was under the railway line in Ginza, where we collected John’s friend Yayoi and her tiny, white dog for some particularly amusing entertainment. Beers, plum wine and sake were flowing.
Ending with a twelve-year-old Husku nightcap at the soon-to-be-demolished modernist wonderland that is Hotel Okura was the perfect end to an epic day!
Check out #2015DuluxStudyTour on Instagram for the best snaps of the day.
– Monique Woodward