A R C H I L I F E

Evidently I have not had time to update the blog and alas, my time here is almost up!
For those of you interested here's a little blog post that I made on the GENETO blog.

Post for a Geneto blog:

I have just finished three months at Geneto as an intern. In retrospect, it has been an extremely short three months. Coming to Geneto has been a very interesting experience for me, especially in terms of living and working in Japan for the first time in my life. Although I am Japanese by blood, I have lived in London my whole life, and so, although in my mind the cultural differences were clear, in reality what I experienced was a world of difference. I have grown fond of Japan in many respects, and have learnt a great deal about architecture and the profession of architecture here.

The most important aspect that I feel I can take home is the change of attitude I have come to have towards architecture. Not to see it as a mere profession (which isn’t reason enough to be able to survive within architecture either way) but to see it as a way of life. The team at Geneto, live and breathe architecture, and it is an integral part their daily life. Whether it be posting something on facebook or meeting with friends. The center is architecture. Obviously, passion isn’t enough to exist within architecture. One must have a clear perspective and role within the professional landscape, stance towards architecture and a comprehensive approach towards designing and planning.

The impression I got from observing and working at Geneto is that they do not want to continue to build something that has already been built but to create new ideas and a new way of living, and a fresh approach to interacting with architecture. I can recall on how different members of the team explained to me that architecture is not something that is supposed to be built from the outside in, but the very opposite. It starts from what is in ones grasp, and their daily activities. While this may not be a new idea, it is something that is not yet widely implemented, nor is it successfully achieved with ease. I believe that this bold attitude of stretching the boundaries of what is acceptable and popular by the general public is what brings a paradigm shift within architecture. In turn this defines the way we live and interact with our surroundings.

I have been thoroughly impressed by each member of the Geneto team, through their diligence and steadfastness towards their work. It’s definitely something that will continue to push and inspire me as I go back to London to further my career and studies. Although they work hard, they also know how to play hard! I have many fond memories of my time here and will return to London with many interesting anecdotes. Many times the members referred to the team as the ‘Geneto family’, which it really is. Each member has united consciousness in working as one body and the closeness between the members is uncommon in an architectural office. I have received much more than my fair share of kindness and care from each person in the Geneto family and feel gratitude to each member, and feel fortunate that I had the chance to spend the last three months here. I wish the best of luck to Geneto. Thank you. I will continue to do my best when I return to London.