Curved, enveloping lines, mute and earthen shades inspired by nature, geometries that never penalize comfort, even when they become more daring, imaginative variations on interlacing cords or fibers: these are the salient features of the outdoor offerings presented at the fair by companies in the sector. Here we tell you all about them
Focus on Schemata Architects
SENBAN, Alcova Milano 2021. Ph Courtesy Schemata Architects
With his studio Schemata Architects, the architect Jo Nagasaka designs projects for interiors that rarely go unnoticed. The spaces he carves out are a perfect blend of street culture-style contemporary aesthetics and Japan’s craft and spiritual tradition. The skill with which he gives shape to spaces is concealed behind an “almost unfinished” appearance which, on closer inspection betrays a deep respect for materials, functions and spaces, making for great freedom of use. Nagasaka’s method is to look at the existing situation, the context and the options and then take a bold approach, harnessing unexpected solutions, channelling contemporary spatial design trends with a skill that few other masters manage to achieve.
Founder / Name of the studio: Jo Nagasaka / Schemata Architects.
Place where you work: Tokyo, Japan.
Your Instagram account: @schemataarchitects.
Describe your job: An architect.
Where did you study? Tokyo Art University.
Koganeyu, public bathhouse, Tokyo 2020. Ph Yurika Kono
The project you are working on at the moment: There are various ongoing projects including: a project at the Jeju retail store for a fashion brand; a guest house and bar in Hiroshima; a dental clinic and residence in Ishikawa; a traditional house( more than 100 years old) renovation in Onomichi – the house would be multi-purpose, including a hotel – and we are looking for a way to maintain the beautiful scenery around it; a Japanese ski chalet in Kiso, Fukushima; the recently-opened Camper Shanghai.
Your dream project: A project for a desert island.
The project (by others) that has influenced you the most: The Palais de Tokyo, in Paris.
A crucial element/detail in all your projects: “the renewal of knowledge” is the crucial element. I believe that the ideas, forms, and programmes that emerge from finding out something you did not previously know are all connected.
City centre or far-flung places? City centre
Something you have at home designed by you: Flat table.
What do you like to collect on walks? Collecting washed-up items on the shore.
If you could build a secret passage in your house, where would it lead? To the river or the ocean.
What do you usually do on Sundays? Stand Up Paddle.
Your favourite place in Milan: Bar Basso.
Restaurant, Gallery, Shop, Hotel, Korea 2020. Ph Ju Yeon Lee
Tiziano Vudafieri asks: “I would ask why he became an architect. I am one of them, but we are so many that I am always amazed at how many we are. The answer to this question always intrigues me”: I entered the Department of Architecture by chance. Originally, I came into this sphere because I wanted to create places that manifested people's expressions.
Would you also like to ask a question of the next interviewee? Which restaurants would you recommend in Milan?
Jo Nagasaka
SENBAN, Alcova Milano 2021. Ph Courtesy Schemata Architects
SENBAN, Alcova Milano 2021. Ph Courtesy Schemata Architects
House and seitai clinic, Tokyo, 2020. Ph Kenta Hasegawa
Koganeyu, public bathhouse, Tokyo 2020. Ph Yurika Kono
Shop, Pechino 2020. Ph CreatAR Images
Shop, Pechino 2020. Ph CreatAR Images
Restaurant, Gallery, Shop, Hotel, Korea 2020. Ph Ju Yeon Lee
Shop and cafè, Tokyo 2019. Ph Nacasa Partners Inc.
House in Nobeoka, Miyazaki-ken 2017. Ph Takumi Ota
