[ Kino Architects ] Himeji Observatory House

if you're going to build a castle, make it sturdy enough to survive attacks; or, so decided the 16th century japanese.  they started building castles, like himeji castle, with stone rather than wood.  then again, at the time japan was in the midst of civil war and the arrival of the cannon forced a change in architecture.  today the owners of himeji observatory house may just fear the dissolution of society due to the economic downturn.  that might explain why, despite the absence of a double moat or earth ramparts, himeji observatory house appears impregnable.  much like its ancient counterpart to the northwest, himeji castle, kino architect's himeji observatory house saves the more elegant gestures for the top - isolated from society.

you may begin to wonder what the cold facade, so domineering in stature, protects. maybe it's the home of a recluse politician or ceo, peering down on everyone else. otherwise, its a historian trying to keep a constant eye on the shimmering upper stories of himeji castle - he lives in the present, but always keeps a watchful eye on the past.  that might explain the old kitchen table, which seems to fit in so well within the confines of the new modern castle.  it's funny how well old ideas fits within the new.

from  rolu.terapad