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A Japanese Temple Rebuilt For A New Era
- Words
- Anna Dorothea Ker
Tokyo-based studio Satoru Hirota Architects were tasked with restoring an Edo-era temple that was destroyed during WWII.
“We hope it will be loved as a symbol of the region familiar to the surrounding landscape”The renovation focussed on three main spaces with distinct purposes: the refurbishment of the main shrine, a newly-built reception hall and priest’s quarters. The courtyard, filled with Shirakawa sand, was planned to reflect light into the reception hall. In a statement about the project – entitled Tsunyuji – the architects state, “It was reborn as a beloved landmark in the area. In the future, we hope it will be loved as a symbol of the region familiar to the surrounding landscape over the years.”
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All images © <ahref=”http://www.hirotaa.net/ ” target=”_blank”>Satoru Hirota Architects