Takatoku Nishi

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Takatoku Nishi ("TN") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

TN : I studied for two years at an interior design college in Japan and graduated in 2018. That year I was unable to get the job I wanted and realised that there was a difference between my way of thinking about space and mainstream design in Japan. Then, in order to follow my own path, I re-entered university as a self-taught student. Then, in 2021, I completed my PhD. Now in 2023, I am enrolled in the Department of Architecture at Tokyo University of the Arts for the second time as a PhD student.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

TN : In my childhood, I was in a family environment where we moved very often. I was looking at architectural drawings all the time and became very particular about buildings. Because of this influence, I dreamt of becoming an architect when I was nine years old.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

TN : I was only thinking about space creation.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

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.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

TN : That is what time tells us.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

TN : It's all about first impressions.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

TN : If I had money and land at my disposal, besides time, I would realise the proposed works I am considering.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

TN : It is Atmosphere.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

TN : Peter Zumthor, Carlo Scarpa, Alvar Aalto, and more.

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

TN : Bruder-Klaus-Feldkapelle by Peter Zumthor

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

TN : A wide range of experiences is needed.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

TN : carpenter specializing in temple, shrine, etc. construction

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

TN : Design is an act of purpose.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

TN : Based on previous experience, the minimum time required is two weeks. The longest is two years.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

TN : Location information gathering.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

TN : Ensure that the concept is not blurred.

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

TN : It varies according to the field of design. My idea of space is that it has a different dimension to trends.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

TN : My mentor Satoshi Uchihara

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

TN : 建築光幻学

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

TN : I think so.