“When You Eliminate Humans, Architecture Has No Meaning”

“When You Eliminate Humans, Architecture Has No Meaning”

We hosted the world famous Japanese architect Takaharu Tezuka at our school. Tezuka talked to our students about architecture and his experiences.

Tezuka’s name is frequently mentioned with projects such as Echigo-Matsunoyama Natural Science Museum, Roof Houses and Fuji Kindergarten, and awards by many institutions. He shared the details of its projects with our students. In his presentation, Tezuka explained the innovations about school architecture.

Tezuka, who presented the innovations about school architecture, said, “We created the Fuji Kindergarten project inspired by the Roof Houses I designed before. Starting from the houses where children wandered on the rooftop, preparing and eating food, we carried it to school format. We were inspired by the children's running instincts. Despite many objections, we implemented our project. Students can run and play freely with the movements coming from their nature and have fun in the rain. We didn't want to fence the students with security concerns and we surrounded our area with networks. Students can easily spend time around and above the networks. We cared about freedom and childhood, and saw that it brought success. Students who love their surroundings and who belong to the place they live in do not go to school by crying but laughing and playing. The OECD awarded this project as the best school in the world, which made us very happy.”

In the event, enlivened with the questions of our students, Tezuka said, “To be a good architect, you need to prioritize people. Architecture is something that exists with human beings. When you eliminate people, your projects have no meaning. ” Noting that a child has traveled 4 kilometers a day in the Fuji Kindergarten designed by him, the Japanese architect said, “We do not control them, we do not always observe them. They learn to exist in their own social environment and cooperate with peers. If you ask me, the more free the children, the more successful the architecture of our schools will be. ” Stating that architecture is not related to form but life “For example, the Blue Mosque has been intertwined with people for centuries. When you eliminate people, architecture has no meaning, and the spirit of cities is formed thanks to architectural works.” Noting that architecture is a timeless endeavor, “Architectural works are a legacy from you to your grandchildren and humanity. Archaeologists first encounter architectural works during the excavations, which reveals the importance of architecture. ”

Tezuka gave the books he brought from Japan to our students asking questions after the interview. The program ended with the presentation of gifts. Our students left the event with pleasure and inspiration.