Yuzuru Murakami, Buttondesign Studio © GION
What inspired you to become an architect?
When I was a student, I was deeply inspired by photographs of Buddhist statues by the photographer Domon Ken. This led me to visit Murou-ji, a mountain temple in Nara where these statues, known as the Twelve Heavenly Generals, are housed. I intended to see the statues, but I was overwhelmed by the beauty of Murou-ji. I became fascinated by architecture that has stood in the depths of the mountains for 1200 years, and its potential to endure far beyond the span of human life.
How would you describe your design philosophy?
At Buttondesign, we embrace the concept of “living design.” For us, “to live” means to be free and essential. We strive to break free from fixed ideas and conventions, to continuously evolve, and to stay true to the essence of our subjects, environments, and the people involved. We believe that designs derived from this kind of thinking will be loved across generations.
Can you tell us about your favorite project and why it stands out?
I’ll mention three projects. The first is Washoku Itagaki, a project where we converted an 84-year-old traditional house into a Japanese restaurant. We had to carefully decide which parts were original and which were not, restoring the original parts as much as possible for use as guest seating, while the non-original parts were demolished or redesigned for functional areas like the kitchen. Integrating a timeline into our design is one of our themes, making it a very important project.
The second is House in Shirasagi, a newly built detached house. We believe that understanding how a building is constructed, including its methods and structure, contributes to its longevity. We felt it was necessary to make it easy for both the builder and the residents to see and understand how the house was built. To harmonize with the surrounding environment, a concrete foundation buried half-underground, a wooden foundation above ground, columns, beams, and a roof were all made into simple shapes and surfaced as interior finishes. We believe that this building is a typical example of our design philosophy of “things are there as they are.
The third is Oku’s Apartment, a renovation of a 40-year-old condominium. While the emphasis was on creating the open space requested by the client, attention was paid not to the physical sense of openness influenced by the interior and windows, but to the sensory experience that distinguishes the indoors from the outdoors, such as the air you breathe and the temperature and texture you feel on your skin. We incorporated a washed gravel finish on the floors, reminiscent of the feeling of running barefoot outdoors as a child, to evoke the sensation of being in nature.
What is your favorite architectural detail?
We pay particular attention to the junctions where materials meet. By carefully handling these transitions, we not only enhance the visual beauty but also the strength of the structure. This approach aligns with our design philosophy of creating durable, long-lasting structures.
Do you have a favorite material?
If I had to choose one, it would be wood. Its ease of processing allows for a broad range of design possibilities, and the finished texture and scent are also appealing. We meticulously select various materials like stone, glass, fabric, paper, ceramics, plaster, and clay for each project.
What is your process for starting a new project?
We begin by visiting the site to understand its characteristics and surroundings, identifying what we need to consider there. For residential projects, we also visit the client’s home to observe their lifestyle habits, using these insights as a basis for our unique design approach.
How do you balance creativity and practicality in your designs?
Our designs prioritize the inherent beauty that practicality can offer. However, we have also seen how creativity can lead to new forms of practicality. We believe that both are two sides of the same coin.
What role does the surrounding environment play in your architectural projects?
As indicated by our practice of conducting site surveys as a first step, we cannot conceive of a building without considering the surrounding environment. Our ideas are always rooted in the site, and repeated visits often lead to significant design changes. Observing a site across different weather conditions and times of day is ideal, though not always feasible.
How do you approach working with clients to understand their needs and visions?
We aim to create a relaxed atmosphere that encourages clients to express their true thoughts. Whether it’s a home or an office, visiting the client’s location is crucial as it helps us gather essential details about their unique characteristics.
What architectural trends or movements do you find most inspiring?
We don’t consciously follow trends or movements. Instead, we find inspiration in traditional and everyday elements. The chaotic beauty of Tokyo, where old and new coexist, and the uncalculated proportions of anonymous barns and old houses seen on countryside drives inspire us. We enjoy walks and drives as they offer numerous creative insights.
What advice would you give to aspiring architects?
The designs we create can only come from within our own experiences and thoughts. Extravagant ideas and ornate decorations are not our preference. We believe that the richness of one’s life influences their architectural creations. Thus, enriching your life and experiencing new things are crucial.
