Design for whom: Japanese dwelling philosophy

Last week we read about pure form architecture without actual functional use. This week we focus on the role of architecture in reality participation. It seems like two totally different sides of architecture. Do we design for architecture itself, or users? Do we observe things from the perspective of elites, or standing aside by users? Maybe we have to choose one in the future or we will have a new answer except those two. But the participation of users does improve the design and create the emotional connection with the users. 

My favorite Japanese TV show “That’s a dramatic change! ” is a program of Japanese dwelling renovation. On each episode, an architect renovates a house according to users’ need. Architects are required to research a lot about the users. They talk with people, ask details about the way of using spaces every day, and their expectation of renovation. Typically, the renovation starts from the structure, and then maybe lift the ceiling for natural light, add more wall insulation for energy and privacy. Architects need to consider a lot of reasonable details for users. For example, if the user likes to hang out with friends at home during the weekend, an extendable table is essential. If the user is a big fan of the bath, it’s more fun to create a small garden through a small window of the bathroom. If users have some special items of memory, architects always redesign these little things and put them in the new house. I feel their renovation is more about creating art of living than just your new home. At the end of the show, the users come back to check their new house, they always say “That’s great! That’s what I need! “I think that’s the value of architecture, curing your life and warm your heart.