Call me a Japanophile and you wouldn’t be wrong. Fascinated by Japanese culture and style from a very young age (my dad visited frequently bringing back treasures and stories) I made sure I visited as soon as I completed my studies. I have been many times since, never disappointed and forever fascinated.
My design work has always been by influenced by architecture, so this was one exhibition I was not going to miss. I found The Japanese House exhibition at the Barbican to be a beautifully executed exhibition for anyone interested in Japanese culture, design, living and architecture.
An insight into the changes in Japanese domestic architecture following World War 2, a period which is known for producing arguably the most influential and ground-breaking examples of modern and contemporary design. Following the war and the widespread devastation of Tokyo and other Japanese cities there was an urgent need for new housing, creating much architectural experimentation and debate whilst producing innovative solutions to changing lifestyles.
Take time to stroll through the 10 rooms in the full-size recreation of the Moriyama House. Compact and orderly, with a tiny bathroom and a kitchen tucked under the stairs each little detail has been placed to create a harmonious balance, the outside merging with the inside and in my view the best minimalist design to be found in a compact space.
the exhibition also features a Japanese teahouse, gardens and an outdoor cinema- much to see, explore and aspire to.
The Japanese house at The Barbican runs until June 25th 2017, don’t miss it
Nadia Minkoff London 