Ryuichi Sasaki

Interview with Ryuichi Sasaki

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?

My journey to becoming an architect was greatly influenced by my family environment. My paternal grandfather was a civil engineer who was involved in the design of the Ogouchi Dam, a major water source for Tokyo, and also served as the on-site general supervisor. It seems he was also involved in civil engineering projects in Qingdao when it was part of Japanese territory during his time. Influenced by my grandfather, my father began studying architecture and went on to study under Mies van der Rohe and his student Miron Goldsmith at the Illinois Institute of Technology's graduate school. Growing up in a family of architects, I loved drawing floor plans from a very young age.

Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

My grandfather and father started an architectural design firm. When my father initially retired, I took over the firm, continuing its legacy.

What is "design" for you?

Unlike art, design is created with the assumption that it will be used by people. Art, on the other hand, primarily focuses on expressing the artist's intent. In my work, I always strive to consider elements that bridge both art and design23. Design is fundamentally about solving problems and serving a specific purpose, while art is more about personal expression and evoking emotions610. However, this doesn't mean that design lacks creativity or that art can't be functional. The relationship between art and design is complex and often symbiotic4. As a professional working in both fields, I recognize the importance of balancing functionality with aesthetic appeal. Design must be user-centered and objective in its approach, whereas art can be more subjective and open to interpretation710. By considering aspects of both disciplines, I aim to create work that is not only practical and effective but also visually compelling and emotionally resonant48. This approach allows me to leverage the strengths of both art and design, resulting in creations that are both purposeful and expressive. It's about finding the sweet spot where functionality meets creativity, and where problem-solving intersects with personal vision.

What kinds of works do you like designing most?

I love designing buildings, regardless of their purpose. My areas of expertise include music halls, multi-family housing, commercial facilities, and art museums. Architectural design is my passion, and I find joy in creating structures for various functions. While I enjoy working on all types of buildings, I have developed particular proficiency in certain specialized areas. Music halls, with their unique acoustic requirements, present an exciting challenge that allows me to blend technical expertise with artistic vision. Multi-family housing projects give me the opportunity to create comfortable living spaces that foster community. Commercial facilities require a keen understanding of both aesthetics and functionality to support business needs. Art museums demand a delicate balance between creating a space that showcases artwork effectively while being an artistic statement in itself. These diverse project types allow me to explore different aspects of architectural design, from acoustics and spatial planning to lighting and visitor flow. Each type of building presents its own set of challenges and opportunities, which keeps my work engaging and allows me to continually grow as an architect.

What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

What is my favorite design? It might be creating a unique atmosphere for each facility. As an architect, I find great joy in crafting distinct environments that evoke specific emotions and experiences for each project. This process of creating a unique "world" or atmosphere for different facilities is perhaps my favorite aspect of design. Architectural atmosphere is the result of carefully orchestrating various design elements to evoke a particular sensory experience7. It's about how spaces make us feel, often on a subconscious level.

What was the first thing you designed for a company?

As a company's design approach, it could be said that the focus is on striving to fulfill the dreams of those who desire design.

What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

One of my greatest interests is translating the zeitgeist into spatial form. In the current era, the worldview shaped by AI presents itself as a significant theme to explore.By focusing on translating the spirit of our times into architectural language, we can create spaces that not only serve current needs but also anticipate and shape future ways of living and working. This approach keeps architecture relevant and forward-thinking, ensuring that our built environment evolves alongside technological and societal progress.

When do you feel the most creative?

Indeed, it's often during travel, such as on an airplane, when ideas suddenly come to mind.

Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

Creating a worldview through art is a powerful and transformative process. It involves using artistic expression to construct a comprehensive perspective or vision of reality, often encompassing philosophical, cultural, and emotional elements.

What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

It's probably more when the project is completed rather than during the design process. This sentiment reflects a common experience among designers and creators across various fields. While the design process itself is often exciting and intellectually stimulating, there's a unique satisfaction that comes with seeing a project through to completion.

What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

Indeed, I previously mentioned that my favorite aspect of design might be creating a unique atmosphere or worldview for each facility. This preference aligns more with the design process itself rather than the completion of a project.

What makes a design successful?

This idea of conceptual integrity or coherence in art is indeed crucial. It means that the underlying concept or idea of the artwork is consistent and well-executed throughout the piece. This consistency ensures that all elements of the work - from its form and materials to its presentation - align with and support the central concept9.

When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

Whether or not there are contradictions in the design is also a significant factor. Contradictions in design can play a crucial role in the creative process and the overall impact of a project.

How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

While the fundamental framework of the design industry itself may not change significantly, the boundaries between different industries are likely to gradually blur. We can expect to see powerful entities increasingly taking on design responsibilities across a wide range of domains.

When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?

If I recall correctly, there was an event in New York last fall featuring designs from 40 countries around the world. I believe the sponsor was A' Design Award.

Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

Modern art refers to artistic works produced roughly from the 1860s to the 1970s, characterized by a departure from traditional styles and experimentation with form and content8. This movement encompasses a wide range of styles and approaches.

How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?

Translating the spirit of the times into spatial form and creating a unique worldview for each space. This concept encapsulates a profound approach to architectural design that goes beyond mere functionality.

Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?

While I'm based in Tokyo, I make it a point to travel abroad regularly. Upon returning from these international trips, I find I'm able to reassess my position in Tokyo.De

What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?

In recent years, it has become increasingly challenging due to remote work. The shift towards remote work has introduced new complexities and challenges to the professional landscape. While remote work offers numerous benefits, it also presents unique difficulties:

Can you talk a little about your design process?

First, we consider a basic plan that adheres to fundamental principles that anyone could think of. From there, we explore whether to flip it 180 degrees or how it might evolve. This approach aligns with the concept of "180-degree thinking," a creative strategy used in design and problem-solving.

From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?

Being able to constantly think about design embodies both aspects.

What is your "golden rule" in design?

Continuously approaching the essence of translating the spirit of the times.

What skills are most important for a designer?

It's not about digital tools or techniques, but rather the pursuit of a way of thinking. This statement encapsulates a fundamental aspect of design thinking and creative problem-solving. It emphasizes that the core of innovation and effective design lies not in the tools or specific techniques used, but in cultivating a particular mindset and approach to challenges.

Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?

It seems I haven't succeeded in management with difficult problems.

How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?

It seems I haven't succeeded in management with difficult problems.

Extended Interview with Ryuichi Sasaki

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

I grew up in a family where both my parents were architects. My father, in particular, studied under Mies van der Rohe and Miron Goldsmith at IIT (Illinois Institute of Technology). As for my own education, I studied under Ronald Krueck and John Ronan at IIT. Later, I completed my master's degree at Columbia University's GSAPP (Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation), where I studied under Hani Rashid and Lise-Anne Couture.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

I was never encouraged by my family to pursue a career in architecture. My father often mentioned that managing an architectural design firm was not easy. However, when I was 15, we took a family trip to USA, during which we visited Crown Hall at IIT (Illinois Institute of Technology). While there, I saw the spatial studies projects of fourth-year university students, and that's when I realized I wanted to study architecture.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

I'm not a legend yet, but young designers will continue to question whether design is their true calling.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

While there are many aspects to consider, a typical designer creates designs according to the client's requirements. A great designer, on the other hand, is one who can think beyond the current era and consider things from a timeless perspective.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

It's not just about looking cool, but rather a design that encompasses all elements comprehensively.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

Mies van der Rohe, Ronald Krueck, John Ronan, Hani Rashid, Lise-Anne Couture

What is your biggest design work?

The common thread is that they all translate the will of the era into space.

Who is your favourite designer?

The common thread is that they all translate the will of the era into space.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

Ronald Krueck, John Ronan, Hani Rashid, Lise-Anne Couture, Hideyo Noguchi.