Blog : Shunri Nishizawa

Shunri Nishizawa, Nishizawa Architects: Reflections on Design within the Context of the Climate and Site Limitations

Shunri Nishizawa, Nishizawa Architects: Reflections on Design within the Context of the Climate and Site Limitations

/ Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam /

/ Story: Wuthikorn Sut /English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Hiroyuki Oki, NISHIZAWAARCHITECTS /

Mention the Tropical climate, and it calls to the mind the image of wind, sunshine after the rain and a comfortable atmosphere. But hey, what do we know? As architecture continues to advance into a fascinating modern age we live in, oftentimes these key attributes that constitute a gift from nature are sadly disregarded. Shunri Nishizawa of Nishizawa Architects looks at things from a different perspective, one that appreciates the qualities and features inherent in the natural conditions of a place. And he is able to incorporate them in the design in such a manner as to achieve a desired result. It’s a new design possibility that gives rise to the Modern Tropical style as we know it.

Here’s a glimpse into his ideas before listening to him speak at the upcoming room x Living Asean Design Talk 2023. This year’s theme is on the topic of “URBAN FUSION / RURAL FLOURISH: Interweaving Urban and Rural Designs.” It will take place at the room Showcase zone inside BaanLaeSuan Fair Midyear 2023 at BITEC Bang Na, Bangkok on Sunday August 6.


Q: Tell me, Shunri. From your point of view, how would you define Tropical architectural design?

A: Up until now, I’ve felt the role of an architect is to understand and give dignity to all the entities around.

I’m referring to things with distinct and independent existence. Any entity, including humans, animals, plants, space, buildings, you name it. They should feel welcomed and appreciated for being there.

Shunri Nishizawa
Thong House / Living in a semi-outdoor room is a way to establish a good rapport with the surroundings and realize the importance of connections between nature and

For me, the definition isn’t confined to just Tropical architecture per se. Such is also true for Asian architecture.

I’m referring to time-honored architectural design that has existed or been a part of Asian history in general for a very long time. In essence, it’s about creating design well suited to living with nature, and with water as to be expected.

Architecture that embraces Western values may not have been done in the same way as that of Asia. So the focus of attention isn’t just humans or urban developments alone.

In a nutshell, Tropical architectural design is the kind that’s done within the context of the surroundings. Everything about a culture and natural features also play a role in the design process.

Shunri Nishizawa
Binh Thanh House / Oftentimes, works done by Nishizawa Architects intentionally blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. Over time, the integration of Tropical climate features in a design became their signature.

Q: What identifies you in architectural design? What’s your signature?

A: It’s Asian architecture. Not Tropical architecture. Throughout its long history, Asian architecture has developed in close association with nature, especially with water.

No doubt about that. On the other hand, I feel that modern architecture has developed in a manner consistent with Western values. It’s design that focuses too much on humans and urban developments.

To me as an architect, it’s my duty to understand the results of all actions that take place. I take them into consideration during the design process, treat them with respect and equally. They include humans, animals, the natural environment and the context or circumstances that form the setting of a location.

In this manner, a well-planned piece of architecture is created in a warm and welcoming environment. It’s a situation where good design proves a perfect complement to the surroundings. That’s my signature.

Shunri Nishizawa
Restaurant of Shade / Sunshine, which is the key attribute of Tropical climates, pairs with timber native to Tropical countries to bring out the irresistible charms of rustic life in a design by Nishizawa Architects.

Q: Can you give me an example or work that speaks volumes for the definition you just mentioned?

A: The “House in Chau Doc” project, our most recent product. It’s one that conveys a great deal about our commitment to designs that sync with the context of a location.

The house is built on a budget. Planned by careful thought, it merges into the surrounding countryside and performs in agreement with natural events regarded as normal in the locality.

It fits the definition. Open design facilitates comfortable living with nature. The house is built with vernacular materials readily available in the area.

Basically it’s about promoting a lifestyle by which humans and the environment are all connected. Plus, it’s beautifully devised to blend the conveniences of urban living with the rural ways of life.

Shunri Nishizawa
House in Chau Doc / Building materials indigenous to a locality can be adapted to suit a new purpose in both urban and rural environments. A work of art never goes out of style.

Q: Last question. About the pressure to adapt to change that comes with expanding urban developments. What is your take on that?

A: From an ethical point of view, the architect and society both have to understand the importance of living in close touch with nature.

Its positive effects on our mental and physical wellbeing are of great value. Like so, an architect does his part in helping people reconnect with the natural environment through well-thought-out design.

However, in reality, some of us may be more interested other things; insects, fishes, animals, plants, and whatnot. No one should be busy making a living to the point he forgets to make a life.

That’s why I want to broaden people’s perception of architecture and encourage fellow architects to love nature more by devoting time and effort toward the conservation of our precious natural resources. Nature-inspired design is one way of helping to achieve a common goal.

Shunri Nishizawa
BEN THANH Restaurant / Architectural design that takes into account the context of history can help us understand the connectedness of all things. In some subtle way, it values the importance of history and the situation prevailing at a particular time about a piece of architecture.

Find out more about architectural design in sync with nature, as well as ideas for a possible course of action within the context of nature, climate and culture from Shunri Nishizawa, architect and founder of Nishizawa Architects, Vietnam, at the upcoming the “room X Living Asean Design Talk 2023.”

It’s an opportunity to meet up with a panel of experts comprising four distinguished architects from three ASEAN countries. This year’s event is on the theme of “URBAN FUSION / RURAL FLOURISH: Interweaving Urban and Rural Designs.” The Talk is scheduled for Sunday August 6 at the room Showcase zone inside BaanLaeSuan Fair Midyear 2023, BITEC Bang Na, Bangkok. Mark your calendar!

For more details: https://livingasean.com/special-scoop/room-x-living-asean-design-talk-2023-urban-fusion-rural-flourish-interweaving-urban-and-rural-designs/

Register to attend at: https://amarinfair.com/…/room-x-living-asean-design-talk


You may also like…

House in Chau Doc: Rediscovering the Beauty of Localness

room x Living Asean Design Talk 2023: Urban Fusion / Rural Flourish: Interweaving Urban and Rural Designs

room x Living Asean Design Talk 2023: Urban Fusion / Rural Flourish: Interweaving Urban and Rural Designs

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

 / Story: Kor Lordkam / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

room Books and Living Asean, media arms of the Amarin Corporations Public Company Limited specialized in home decorating, design and living a happy life, invite you to a conversation event titled, room x Living Asean Design Talk 2023: Urban Fusion / Rural Flourish: Interweaving Urban and Rural Designs.

room x living asean design talk

room x living asean design talk

The focus of attention is on urban development, the betterment of society and the safeguarding of the environment through well-thought-out design and the interaction of ideas between urban and rural communities. I

t’s aimed primarily at creating public awareness of the importance of design and its contributions toward housing developments ideally suited to the Southeast Asian Region.

room x Living Asean Design Talk 2023 is scheduled for Sunday August 6 at BITEC Bang Na, Bangkok, Thailand. It’s one of the main events at the 2023 edition of Baan Lae Suan (Home and Garden) Fair midyear. Admission is free!

At this time, room Books and Living Asean has assembled a panel of experts comprising four distinguished architects from three countries. They will touch upon several aspects of the fusion of ideas and the interaction of different designs between urban and rural areas.

Precisely, the topics of discussion include the following:

  • Design that creates a healing environment for people in developing urban areas.
  • Design that connects people to people and links urban with rural developments.
  • Design of the environment considering the dynamism of urban experiences in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, the rise of problems in the surroundings and the ensuing conflict.

This year’s Design Talk panel is made up of four distinguished architects from three countries.

M.L. Varudh Varavarn, of Vin Varavarn Architects, Thailand, will touch upon the topic of “Public architecture and solutions to the problems brought on by the gap between people in society.”

room x living asean design talk

The panelist has an excellent track record of creating architectural designs aimed at solving problems facing a sizeable proportion of the population – challenges brought on by the gap between urban and rural communities in the provinces. Nonetheless, they affect not only people in the remote corners of the country, but also their counterparts in the Metropolis.

His works of outstanding creativity included the “Low-cost Micro Dwelling for Klong-Toey Community” in Bangkok, Thailand, under which nine prototype homes were conceived and developed visualizing housing that’s sustainable.

They were further improved from the existing design at the time using materials that met quality standards. The focus of attention was on safety, durability, and strategies for accelerating project construction.

 

Shunri Nishizawa, of Nishizawa Architects, Vietnam, will discuss the topic of “Residential design in response to the prevailing climate and limitations in urban development.

room x living asean design talk

Mr. Nishizawa has won acclaim for his commitment to residential design that’s right for the existing weather conditions, taking into account the limitations and development site suitability.

His masterpieces included a project named the “House in Chau Doc,” a city in the Mekong River Delta region of Vietnam. In this particular case, the house was ingeniously devised to protect it from being inundated in a region prone to constant flooding.

The result is a timber-frame house with a building envelope made entirely of galvanized iron sheeting. It’s well-lit and well-ventilated thanks to open floor plan design that’s well-suited to the natural features of the land.

 

Supawut Boonmahathanakorn, of Jai Baan Studio, Thailand, will speak on the topic of “Rewilding the built environment: Interweaving urban and rural designs through non-human life.

room x living asean design talk

The panelist is an architect who works in and with the community. He is widely known for his role in connecting with people in rural areas and helping them gain access to design innovations and new ideas in vernacular architecture.

His outstanding works of creative skill included “Suan Kaew Khum Oey” (สวนแก้วคำเอ้ย), a project that sought reconnections between people and nature.

Located in Chiang Mai, Thailand, it’s a public park developed according to the “park in 15 minutes” concept which, as the name implies, is aimed at making relaxing green spaces accessible in a flash and it’s open to anyone in the neighborhood.

 

Antonius Richard, of RAD+ar, Indonesia, will speak on the topic of “Different aspects of design in response to the environment and surrounding circumstances.

room x living asean design talk

Mr. Richard is an accomplished architect with multiple environmental designs to his credit. They included residential, office, commercial and public space designs skillfully developed to suit different environments – a strong track record of achievements using the right design tools and strategies needed to achieve results.

His outstanding works included “Tanatap Ring Garden Coffee Shop,” an experimental café project designed to perfectly merge into the natural landscape.

It’s carefully thought out to bring into focus a sense of youthful exuberance and arouse interest in reconnections between nature and the people of Jakarta.

 

Schedule of Events

13.00 – 13.30        Guest Registration

13.30 – 13.40        Moderator delivers a welcome speech and opening remarks.

13.40 – 14.00        Panelist 1: M.L. Varudh Varavarn, of Vin Varavarn Architects, Thailand

Topic: “Public architecture and challenges brought on by the gap between people in society

14.00 – 14.20        Panelist 2: Shunri Nishizawa, of Nishizawa Architects, Vietnam

Topic: “Residential design in response to the prevailing climate and limitations in urban development

14.20 – 14.40        Break

14.40 – 15.00        Panelist 3: Supawut Boonmahathanakorn, of Jai Baan Studio, Thailand

Topic: “Rewilding the built environment: Interweaving urban and rural designs through non-human life

15.00 – 15.20        Panelist 4: Antonius Richard, of RAD+ar, Indonesia

Topic: “Different aspects of design in response to the environment and surrounding circumstances

15.20 – 15.40        Q/A session. Moderator wrap-up remarks. End of event.

room x living asean design talk

The conversation will be in English. Seats are limited. Admission is free!

Those interested in attending should register online here. https://amarinfair.com/booking/room-x-living-asean-design-talk

A part of Baan Lae Suan Fair Midyear 2023, the Design Talk by room X Living Asean is scheduled for August 6, 2023 from 1300 to 1600 hours at BITEC Bang Na, Bangkok. Mark your calendar!

House in Chau Doc: Rediscovering the Beauty of Localness

House in Chau Doc: Rediscovering the Beauty of Localness

/ Chau Doc, Vietnam /

/ Story: Wuthikorn Sut / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Hiroyuki Oki, NISHIZAWAARCHITECTS /

Here’s a home designed to create a good first impression. Named “the House in Chau Doc,” its external envelope is made of galvanized steel sheeting, ironwood (Xylia xylocarpa), wire meshes and right-angle steel bars — ordinary materials often associated with run-of-the-mill places of abode. For architect Shunri Nishizawa, there is opportunity in every crisis. Despite many limitations, he is able to put them to good use in creating a living space well suited to the surrounding circumstances, the environment and weather conditions characteristic of the area.

House in Chau Doc

Situated in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta region where the mighty river passes and empties into the sea through various distributaries, Chau Doc is no stranger to flooding.

It’s a problem that runs like clockwork to the extent that the annual inundation of the Mekong River Delta is regarded as normal. That’s the circumstances that form the setting in which this house is located.

Designed to perform in the event of a flood, it has a set of stairs especially built to link up with the second floor when water overflows beyond its normal confines.

House in Chau Doc

House in Chau Doc is a home built on a budget by choosing the building materials that are right for the circumstances. At the same time, it presents the opportunity of experimenting with materials and design techniques that can answer the lifestyle needs similar to those provided modern urban homes.

For this reason, the new home at Chau Doc comes complete with tranquil spaces that help people feel calm and relaxed. It doubles as a design laboratory, in which the building materials of choice are assessed for their looks and ability to perform in real life.

House in Chau Doc

House in Chau Doc

House in Chau Doc

House in Chau Doc

Despite the key elements of visual design evocative of modern urban homes, it’s the natural atmosphere that makes this countryside house feel calm, fresh, and welcoming.

This is achieved by bringing the great outdoors into practically every part of the home. Meantime, an open plan layout affords ample semi-outdoor family room and cozy sitting area.

House in Chau Doc’s Location Illustration Courtesy of Nishizawa Architects
House in Chau Doc’s Conceptual Drawing Courtesy of Nishizawa Architects
Section Drawing Courtesy of Nishizawa Architects
Structural Diagram Courtesy of Nishizawa Architects
Floor Plans Courtesy of Nishizawa Architects

What makes House in Chau Doc interesting is the open walls design that visually connects with nature and doubles as passive ventilation systems. This makes the interior living spaces feel comfortable without being affected by galvanized steel sheeting that forms the outer shell.

Plus, the house façade and rear walls are fitted with large windows protected by overhanging eaves. Together, they go to work allowing just enough fresh, outdoor air and natural light into the home, thereby preventing it from getting too warm or too uncomfortable during daytime hours.

House in Chau Doc

House in Chau Doc

House in Chau Doc

House in Chau Doc

House in Chau Doc

Taking everything into account, it’s a thought-provoking design that challenges us to explore deeper and wider to overcome limitations in a bid to create comfortable living spaces. With the power of the imagination, a home that inspires happiness and well-being is perfectly doable as this architect has shown.

Even better if the beauty of a locality is incorporated in the design.


Find out more about architectural design in sync with nature, as well as ideas for a possible course of action within the context of nature, climate and culture from Shunri Nishizawa, architect and founder of NISHIZAWAARCHITECTS, Vietnam, at the upcoming the “room X Living ASEAN Design Talk 2023.”

Meet up with a panel of experts comprising four distinguished architects from three countries. This year’s conversation event is on the theme of “URBAN FUSION / RURAL FLOURISH: Interweaving Urban and Rural Designs”. The Talk is scheduled for Sunday August 6 at the room Showcase zone inside Baan Lae Suan Fair Midyear 2023, BITEC Bang Na, Bangkok. It’s an opportunity not to be missed. Mark your calendar!

For more details: https://www.facebook.com/livingasean/posts/701628028672617

Register to attend at: https://amarinfair.com/…/room-x-living-asean-design-talk


Architect: NISHIZAWAARCHITECTS (www.nishizawaarchitects.com)


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