We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Takatoku Nishi ("TN").
He is fascinated by the transitory yet intense beauty of the ever-changing, fleeting scenes that nature produces. He finds the atmospheric optical phenomena contained in these scenes and reconstructs them through 'materials' and 'structures'. It creates a spatial experience that we have never experienced before. He consistently faces the mystique of light, while at the same time keeping in mind the 'Atmosphere.' those drifts from the work. The Atmosphere is created by harmonising the work and the environment surrounding it. The artwork serves as a medium to bring the spectacle of nature closer to us.
Takatoku Nishi Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Takatoku Nishi.
Takatoku Nishi Design - Ripple Multifunctional Architecture
Designer Interview of Takatoku Nishi:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
TN : In my childhood, I grew up in a family environment where we moved very often. This frequent moving exposed me to various architectural styles and designs. I found myself constantly looking at architectural drawings and becoming very particular about buildings. Because of this influence, I dreamt of becoming an architect when I was nine years old.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
TN : Takatoku NISHI | Constructor・Phenomenon Creator・Ph.D. Takatoku Nishi is captivated by the transitory yet intense beauty of nature's ever-changing, fleeting scenes. He identifies atmospheric optical phenomena within these scenes and reconstructs them through 'materials' and 'structures'. This approach creates a unique space of light, offering a spatial experience unlike any other. One characteristic of his work is that it does not simply imitate nature but uses geometric forms to evoke a different impression from nature's organic shapes. Additionally, Nishi incorporates natural forces such as sunlight and wind into his artworks, collaborating with nature to create new scenes. Nishi consistently engages with the mystique of light while keeping in mind the 'Atmosphere' that emanates from his work. This atmosphere is interpreted as the true nature of the unique qualities of space that cannot be captured through paintings or videos. It is created by harmonizing the artwork with its surrounding environment. His artworks serve as a medium to bring the spectacle of nature closer to us, reminding us of the events occurring in the here and now and the concept of time, thereby evoking the beauty of familiar reality.
DI: What is "design" for you?
TN : For me, design is an act of purpose. It is about creating meaningful connections between the environment, human behavior, and the ever-changing world around us. My inspiration often comes from the natural world, where I observe the intricate and harmonious designs that exist in nature. Design, to me, is a way to translate these observations into structures and spaces that resonate with people on a deeper level.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
TN : I especially enjoy designing works where the natural environment and the space resonate with each other. These projects allow me to blend natural elements with architectural forms, creating spaces that feel both harmonious and dynamic. I find great satisfaction in integrating sunlight, wind, and natural materials into my designs, as these elements bring a unique, ever-changing quality to the space. By doing so, I aim to create experiences that connect people more deeply with their surroundings and highlight the beauty of the natural world within built environments.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
TN : One of my favorite designs is Peter Zumthor's "Bruder Klaus Field Chapel" and Juha Leiviskä's "Church of the Good Shepherd." These buildings have allowed me to experience the poetic essence of light and spatial atmosphere firsthand.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
TN : My first design project involved lighting fixtures. It was intended to create a dramatic effect by enhancing shadows and contrasts, effectively sculpting the darkness within a space.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
TN : Wood, acrylic, glass, etc.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
TN : Atmosphere.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
TN : Whether there are differences between the theme of the work and the actual.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
TN : It is inspired by the scene created by natural phenomena.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
TN : I am continuing my research on the subject of 'light space'. My idea of light is light produced by natural phenomena. To achieve this, I focus on optical phenomena. Another important element is the force of nature. The space I create uses optics, structural science and meteorology.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
TN : I live in Tokyo, Japan. What I am aware of as my influences are the world of Japanese gardens and tea houses. In particular, I actually incorporate the 'MITATE' method into my work. One of the advantages of living in Tokyo is the easy and immediate access to high quality materials. Also, various books are translated into Japanese and I have almost no trouble with my work. The disadvantage is that Japan does not place much importance on art and research. You can get a glimpse of this compared to other countries.
DI: How do you work with companies?
TN : Repeat research and experimentation.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
TN : Repeat research and experimentation.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
TN : Based on previous experience, the minimum time required is two weeks. The longest is two years.
DI: How can people contact you?
TN : I prefer to be contacted via my website or via Facebook.