It is not a surprise for people to notice and get astonished by innovative and eye-catching buildings in the 21st century. Every day, architecture firms and architects worldwide work hard to bring out new and creative aspects for breathtaking end products. One such popular and an advancing firm is Showa Sekkei, an architectural design company in Japan. With over 50 years of experience, the firm’s main aim is to utilize the experience and knowledge of architecture and nurture this into the creative process. One such splendid work by them is Musashi Budokan which was built keeping the purpose of sports activities in mind.
Miyamoto Musashi Budokan
Showa Sekkei was founded on October 10th of 1957 and currently occupies 212 employees, including the executive officers. Takuji Kajiyama is the current president, and the firm provides several services, all related to architecture and construction. Even though they were founded in an era where architecture witnessed utterly different styles, the company ensures to keep up with the current trends in design and provides flexible and innovative works to the public. The company thrives on acknowledging the clients’ needs while simultaneously making the utmost of its technical expertise. And this is thoroughly shown in the design of Musashi Budokan.
Budokan essentially means a hall where Japanese martial arts are practiced. The Miyamoto Musashi Budokan was built in the year 2000 for sports purposes. It is situated in the province of Mimasaka in the Ohara-Cho cradle of Miyamoto Musashi. Miyamoto Musashi was a renowned Japanese swordsman, philosopher, and writer, hence the name for the structure, which is dedicated to the official martial arts of Japan. The structure was inaugurated on May 20th, 2000, on the death anniversary of Miyamoto Musashi.
The Architecture Finesse by Showa Sekkei
The main aim of the structure was to bring all the Japanese martial arts and the traditional schools that teach them together into one focal point. Therefore, utmost care is given to the design to showcase the traditional values in the structure, both historically and culturally. With this in mind, the Budokan is designed with a shape that resembles a kabuto (helmets first used by the Japanese warriors) or samurai helmet by paying homage to Musashi, who is the central personality of Japanese culture. By providing this remarkable shape that connects two curved structures to the walls that behold the center of the gymnasium, enough natural lighting is gained through the side hallways. The concept includes giving the visitors a sense of the traditional touch while getting mesmerized by the modern innovative design.
The building contains 2 floors with additional facilities like a meeting room, training room, fitness room, physical consultation room, changing and restrooms, equipment rooms, shower areas, admin offices, and storage. The first floor includes the main arena with 6 kendo, 2 volleyball, 1 basketball, and badminton courts. In contrast, the second floor is mainly dedicated to Budo and can accommodate almost 838 spectators.
Design and Planning Ideologies
The design quality showcased by Showa Sekkei flourished from their understanding of viewing the designs from the client’s perspective. This is immensely seen in their works and helps them develop a design to shape their visions. Their professionals view their works as structures with social assets and client value and contribute a friendly yet diverse societal experience. They include cutting-edge technologies in their structures for safety, along with environmentally conscious designs. Transparency and cost-effective designs are other helpful factors provided by this company, which was influential in the work of Musashi Budokan.
Use of Innovative Elements
Showa Sekkei has implemented functional but highly livable spaces into its design. Buildings such as Musashi Budokan, which has a circular shape and symbolic value, require a design with efficient living spaces. With social values and safety measures in mind, the company has tried to create an innovative structure with futuristic technological elements. The design involves mechanically rational structural systems that are inevitable for large-area structures and thereby giving a spacious and flexible place to inhabit. They have also provided remarkable frameworks that do not limit the ideas within a box but also contribute comfort and a feel of spirituality to the visitors. These large spaces and exceptional framing are applied to the design by taking economic efficiency, rationality, functionality, and secured environment or the people into design consideration.
Takeaway
Musashi Budokan is one of Japan’s outstanding yet structurally efficient buildings; there is no doubt about that. From its concept to how it is designed, keeping in mind the traditional values and modern techniques is impressive. Taking a samurai hat as the design inspiration not only brings people to connect with their native culture but also makes it possible to contribute to the historical value of Japan. Furthermore, Showa Sekkei has made sure to provide ample and functional living spaces so that the visitors can feel an environment with not only spiritual elements but also home to flexibility. It won’t be a surprise that this astounding structure will be an inspiration to future designs in Japan and around the world.
References
- www.showa-sekkei.co.jp. (n.d.). SHOWA SEKKEI. [online] Available at: https://www.showa-sekkei.co.jp/en/ [Accessed 14 Oct. 2022].
- Wikipedia. (2022). Miyamoto Musashi Budokan. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miyamoto_Musashi_Budokan#:~:text=The%20Miyamoto%20Musashi%20Budokan%20(a [Accessed 14 Oct. 2022].
