Shigetaka Mohizuki

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Shigetaka Mohizuki ("SM") 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?

SM : I have been a temple carpenter for 28 years, so I was not professionally trained in design, but I have been working on architecture that combines structural beauty and utilitarian beauty in both design and construction based on my long experience and inspiration. I have also been involved in design awards to pass on my skills to younger generations.

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

SM : As a professional who is mainly engaged in building, it is fun to realize that traditional techniques can be stylishly reconstructed and given shape in a more enjoyable way.

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

SM : I think that I naturally came to be called a designer because the beauty of the structure and the beauty of use that I create have been highly evaluated by the public.

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

SM : From architectural design, we pursue “attractive structural beauty” and “beauty of use.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

SM : Breaking out of the mold is breaking out of the mold when you have a solid foundation. Doing this and that without having a good foundation or anything is shapeless. I want you to keep learning more basics over and over again.

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

SM : I believe that great designers design designs that will move many people and leave a lasting impression.

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

SM : I think that a design that combines form and utility is an excellent design.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

SM : I think it is an inspiration and a sense of privilege for the design.

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

SM : We design to give more excitement to the owner.

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

SM : change of mindset

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

SM : wooden framework Designs that take advantage of 120% of the characteristics of wood are possible.

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

SM : change of mindset

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

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

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

SM : Exciting things

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

SM : Master shrine carpenter

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

SM : It was to continue to pass on the techniques to university students.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

SM : Difference in perspective between the designer and the builder

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

SM : I believe that entering design awards is one of the ways to increase exposure to more people.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

SM : Design an architecture of evolution of tradition that will be the inheritance of new traditional techniques.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

SM : Architectural design that will surprise and inspire you

DL: How does design help create a better society?

SM : I hope that architecture that expresses the Japanese sense of beauty with extremely high design quality will be open to those who study, manage, and use architectural technology, that it will function as a place to learn its knowledge, that it will greatly contribute to the development of future human resources, and that it will bring together in one space the high aspirations for the future of “culture,” “environment,” and “people. I hope it will be possible to do so.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

SM : Evolution of Tradition

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

SM : "Hoshino Shrine　Covered Shrine" The "Ishiba-building" employed in this building has the aptitude to resist earthquakes and typhoons without damaging the earth. In addition, the "penetration," which demonstrates the characteristic "penetration" strength of wood, was calculated and planned using the "Limit Strength Design Method" so that it can attenuate force by "frictional force" in combination with the "joints and joints" of the members. It is truly an innovative architecture that utilizes "traditional Japanese construction methods" and "new technologies.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

SM : That the design of traditional techniques will be recognized again and lead to succession.

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

SM : 1-5 years

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

SM : We visit the proposed building site many times to envision the architecture that will be built there.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

SM : To be egoistic in one's approach to manufacturing.

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

SM : I think design is what sets the trend.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

SM : Basic axis role in all

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

SM : Color 3, Material 3, Atmosphere 4

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

SM : Production process from awareness raising

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

SM : Master shrine carpenter

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

SM : diligent study、practice

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

SM : I would like to have discussions, etc., but the truth is that I am not good at talking to people.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

SM : I am happy to think of it as recognition for my colleagues with whom I worked on the construction, but I don't feel that I have become so famous.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

SM : During the past two years, we have entered several architectural design awards in Japan, and it was a great experience to talk with world-renowned architects during the judging process, and we were happy to receive high evaluations.

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

SM : To find something new from the morning meeting with the craftsmen.

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

SM : There wasn't.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

SM : I hope that the architecture I design and build will continue to be seen as an architecture that brings together high aspirations for the future of “culture,” “environment,” and “people,” and will lead to a number of inheritances.