The first post in what I hope to be a series from my recent trip to Japan.
I hope for this series to be available as a guide to a few places to visit and a few things to do! (though it is very far from a complete list!)
First I would like to share with you my visit to the Kyoto Garden of Fine Arts, by the master of concrete, Tadao Ando.
Personally, Ando’s work has been an amazing influence, such refined works from a man who had previously worked as a truck driver, a boxer and had no formal training.
You will more often than not hear Ando recognised for his use of concrete, a work of fine craftsmanship.
The Garden of Fine Art situated North of Japan’s traditional capital Kyoto and not far from the Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Gardens, is an ‘open air gallery.’ Though perhaps the words ‘garden’ and even ‘gallery’ are open to interpretation?
The garden’s classical works have been recreated on large weatherproof ceramic plates in a modern concrete ‘garden.’
Though the real interest for me was held in the minimalist concrete walkways and walls rather than the works themselves.
The garden, completed in 1990 uses modern materials of concrete and glass yet holds traditional works of art, and also responds to the serenity of a traditional Japanese garden. Two concrete ramps intertwine their way down into the lower parts of the garden, taking the visitor on a journey through large concrete volumes that serve as separating the space, creating voids whilst also serving as a surface for the works themselves.
Another main feature of the garden is the horizontal and vertical walls and pools of water that flow from the top most level down through the garden whilst the constant sound of falling water serves as soft background ambience.
The Main Entrance (and you can just see Monet’s water lillies under the surface.)
Window looking outside the garden
There are many water features that run horizontally, vertically, horizontally again like a maze through the garden, and also add a gentle background noise when walking through.
An intersection of elements that span through the entire building. (and a hint of the works contained.)
And a Detail of the same intersection.
In, looking out, this shot also shows the looping path that winds its way down to the bottom of the open garden.
Another shot of the ramp continuing down, you can see the element that goes through the wall (top right, and center)
A shot of the different levels and voids.
Openings revealing the works on the wall behind them.
Abrupt intersection and viewing point.
And Looking back, a good demonstration of the shear volumes dividing the space.
Another shot of the horizontal water and the path. Also hints of the botanical gardens behind.
Some photos of the recreated works themselves.
Garden of Fine Arts (Kyoto Fruits Toban Meiga no Niwa)
Shimogamo Hangicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-0823. Tel. 075-724-2188
Hrs. 9:00-17:00 (enter by 16:30). Closed Dec. 28- Jan 4.
100 yen (50 yen in case of combination ticket with Kyoto Botanical Garden)
The fastest way to get here from Kyoto Station or Hankyu Karasuma is to take the subway to Kitayama Station.
At this time it sounds like WordPress is the best blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?
I was wondering if you ever thought of changing the layout of your site? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or 2 pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after checking through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back often!
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit, but other than that, this is fantastic blog. A great read. I will definitely be back.
This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I have joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your great post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks!
First of all I want to say fantastic blog! I had a quick question that I’d like to ask if you don’t mind. I was interested to find out how you center yourself and clear your thoughts before writing. I’ve had a difficult time clearing my thoughts in getting my ideas out there. I do take pleasure in writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes tend to be lost just trying to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or hints? Thank you!
Hey there, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog site in Ie, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, awesome blog!
the time to read or check out the subject material or web pages we have linked to beneath the
I’m not sure exactly why but this blog is loading incredibly slow for me. Is anyone else having this issue or is it a issue on my end? I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.
I am not positive where you’re getting your information, however good topic. I needs to spend a while finding out much more or understanding more. Thanks for great info I used to be searching for this information for my mission.
alwaysall the timeconstantlycontinuouslyeach time i used to read smaller articlespostsarticles or reviewscontent whichthat alsoas well clear their motive, and that is also happening with this articlepostpiece of writingparagraph which I am reading hereat this placeat this timenow.
I precisely had to thank you very much all over again. I’m not certain what I would have undertaken without the actual solutions discussed by you regarding that question. It had been a hard problem in my position, but witnessing a well-written manner you treated it forced me to leap with fulfillment. I am happy for the assistance and hope you realize what a powerful job your are providing educating the rest via a blog. I am certain you’ve never got to know all of us.
Some truly quality blog posts on this internet site , saved to my bookmarks .
Wow, wonderful blog structure! How lengthy have you been blogging for? you make running a blog glance easy. The total glance of your site is fantastic, as well as the content material!
Does your blog have a contact page? I’m having a tough time locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an email. I’ve got some ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great site and I look forward to seeing it expand over time.
I truly enjoy looking at on this site, it holds wonderful articles. “And all the winds go sighing, For sweet things dying.” by Christina Georgina Rossetti.
The other day, while I was at work, my sister stole my iphone and tested to see if it can survive a 40 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know this is entirely off topic but I had to share it with someone!
I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you make this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz respond as I’m looking to construct my own blog and would like to know where u got this from. thank you
With havin so much written content do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright infringement? My website has a lot of completely unique content I’ve either created myself or outsourced but it seems a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my permission. Do you know any ways to help prevent content from being ripped off? I’d truly appreciate it.
Its wonderful as your other posts : D, thankyou for putting up. “So, rather than appear foolish afterward, I renounce seeming clever now.” by William of Baskerville.
But wanna comment that you have a very nice website , I enjoy the design it actually stands out.
Thank you a lot for providing individuals with an extremely nice chance to check tips from this site. It’s usually so sweet and as well , packed with amusement for me and my office fellow workers to visit the blog at the least 3 times in 7 days to see the newest stuff you have. Of course, I am also at all times happy with all the good thoughts you serve. Selected 4 ideas on this page are particularly the most suitable I’ve had.
Sites of interest we’ve a link to
Some really great posts on this web site , regards for contribution.
always a huge fan of linking to bloggers that I enjoy but really don’t get a whole lot of link appreciate from
I do agree with all of the concepts you have offered in your post. They’re really convincing and will certainly work. Still, the posts are very brief for beginners. Could you please extend them a little from subsequent time? Thanks for the post.
My brother recommended I might like this web site. He was totally right. This post actually made my day. You can not imagine simply how much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!
I was studying some of your articles on this site and I believe this internet site is rattling instructive! Continue posting .
just beneath, are a lot of totally not connected websites to ours, nevertheless, they are surely worth going over
always a significant fan of linking to bloggers that I enjoy but do not get quite a bit of link like from
Furnace or air handler rattling ductwork.
one of our guests not too long ago proposed the following website
Wonderful story, reckoned we could combine some unrelated data, nevertheless truly worth taking a appear, whoa did one learn about Mid East has got extra problerms too
obviously like your website however you have to test the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling issues and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth on the other hand I will surely come back again.
I’m still learning from you, but I’m making my way to the top as well. I absolutely liked reading everything that is posted on your blog.Keep the information coming. I liked it!
Hmm it appears like your site ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to the whole thing. Do you have any recommendations for first-time blog writers? I’d certainly appreciate it.
Hi there, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just curious if you get a lot of spam feedback? If so how do you prevent it, any plugin or anything you can suggest? I get so much lately it’s driving me insane so any assistance is very much appreciated.
Hi there! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website with us so I came to check it out. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Outstanding blog and superb design.
I needed to draft you this very small remark just to say thank you yet again for these extraordinary advice you have contributed on this page. It has been really shockingly open-handed with people like you to give publicly precisely what a lot of folks could possibly have offered for sale as an ebook to make some cash for their own end, specifically considering the fact that you could possibly have done it in the event you desired. The basics in addition served as a good way to realize that other people online have the identical keenness the same as my personal own to realize whole lot more when considering this matter. I’m sure there are numerous more fun times ahead for many who take a look at your blog post.
But a smiling visitor here to share the love (:, btw outstanding design and style .
just beneath, are various absolutely not connected websites to ours, however, they may be certainly really worth going over
Howdy very nice website!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your web site and take the feeds additionally…I’m happy to find so many helpful information right here within the publish, we’d like develop extra techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing.
Hey there exceptional blog! Does running a blog like this take a lot of work? I have absolutely no expertise in coding but I was hoping to start my own blog in the near future. Anyway, should you have any ideas or techniques for new blog owners please share. I understand this is off topic nevertheless I just wanted to ask. Many thanks!
Does your blog have a contact page? I’m having a tough time locating it but, I’d like to send you an email. I’ve got some creative ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it expand over time.
Not all films are suitable for all glass.
Hi! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good success. If you know of any please share. Appreciate it!
the time to study or go to the material or web sites we have linked to beneath the
Absolutely pent subject material, appreciate it for entropy. “No human thing is of serious importance.” by Plato.
Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to give something back and help others like you helped me.
obviously like your web site but you have to test the spelling on several of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I to find it very bothersome to inform the truth then again I will surely come again again.