‘The Umbrella House’ by Kazuo Shinohara dates back to 1961, a landmark that stood tall on the streets of Tokyo until it was decided it would be demolished in order to pave new roads. At this time, Vitra Campus in Weil am Rhein, Germany, expressed interest in acquiring and preserving the structure, and, in collaboration with the Tokyo Institute of Technology, began dismantling the house for future reconstruction. The reconstruction process began in September 2021 and has recently been completed.
‘The Umbrella House’ features Shinohara’s unique architectural style spread throughout a kitchen, living room, bathroom, and tatami room. The house resembles a traditional Japanese residence, complete with sliding doors and a wooden interior. The name comes from the house’s umbrella-like roof, which adds an extra dimension to the residence.
Rolf Fehlbaum, Chairman Emeritus of Vitra commented: The Umbrella House meets both criteria: it is relatively simple to relocate and it connects with the strong Japanese presence – Tadao Ando, SANAA, and soon Tsuyoshi Tane – on the Vitra Campus."
Relocated Japanese Structures
'The Umbrella House' by Kazuo Shinohara is Rebuilt on Vitra Campus
Trend Themes
1. Preservation of Historical Architecture - There is a growing trend towards the preservation and relocation of historical architecture, providing opportunities for businesses to innovate in architectural preservation technology.
2. Cultural Exchange Through Architecture - As seen in the relocation of 'The Umbrella House', there is an opportunity for businesses to facilitate cultural exchange between communities through the relocation of historical architecture.
3. Sustainable Architecture - The relocation of historical architecture, such as 'The Umbrella House', provides opportunities for businesses to innovate in sustainable architectural practices that combine cultural heritage with modern environmental considerations.
Industry Implications
1. Architectural Preservation - The trend towards historic architectural preservation presents opportunities for businesses to develop innovative technologies for relocating, restoring, and protecting historical structures.
2. Global Tourism - Relocated historical architecture can be a compelling attraction for tourists, presenting opportunities for the global tourism industry to expand their offerings and promote cultural experiences.
3. Environmental Sustainability - As seen in the relocation of 'The Umbrella House', there is a growing opportunity for businesses in the sustainable architecture industry to incorporate cultural heritage into their models while promoting environmentally-friendly practices.