In Tokyo, near the iconic national stadium in Shinjuku, stands a unique tea house named Go-an. This ephemeral structure, crafted by renowned architect Terunobu Fujimori, was unveiled during the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games, captivating visitors with its unconventional design and temporary nature.
Go-an Tea House Technical Information
- Architects: Terunobu Fujimori
- Location: Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
- Topics: Tea Houses
- Area: 10 m2 | 107 ft2
- Project Year: 2021
- Photographs: © ToLoLo studio
A tea house requires other-worldly characteristics. Rather than simply resting on the ground, it needs height. Once you’ve climbed up and come in through the narrow, somber entrance, you see an entirely different landscape.
– Terunobu Fujimori 1
Go-an Tea House Photographs
Breaking Traditional Norms
Terunobu Fujimori, who has specialized in building tea houses since 2003, is celebrated for his innovative approach that defies traditional Japanese architecture. Fujimori’s tea houses are known for their extraordinary features—some perched on stilts, others suspended mid-air. Go-an, however, sits atop a grassy mound, blending natural elements with architectural ingenuity.
If I present a traditional tea salon, everyone would say, ‘That’s typical of Japan,’ and stop there. I hate that idea. That’s why I don’t use shoji or bamboo. I want people to see the hospitality offered by the tea salon rather than the architecture.
– Terunobu Fujimori
Go-an was part of the Pavilion Tokyo 2021 program, which featured works from six other esteemed architects and artists, including Sou Fujimoto and Yayoi Kusama. These structures, scattered around Kengo Kuma’s national stadium, were open to the public from July 1 to September 5, 2021, offering a summer of architectural exploration.
An Unconventional Entrance
Visitors to Go-an enter through a small door on the side of the building, climbing a few rungs of a ladder to reach the heart of the tea house. Inside, a large table made from chestnut boards sourced from Nagano prefecture stands prominently, surrounded by a space bathed in natural light from a large window. This window frames a stunning view of the Olympic Stadium, creating a harmonious blend of nature and modernity.
“A tea house requires other-worldly characteristics,” explains Fujimori. “Rather than simply resting on the ground, it needs height. Once you’ve climbed up and come in through the narrow, somber entrance, you see an entirely different landscape.”
Embracing Natural Elements
Staying true to his philosophy of using natural materials, Fujimori constructed Go-an with large wooden panels treated with yakisugi, a traditional Japanese method of charring cedar. This technique not only gives the wood its distinctive black color but also enhances its durability, making it resistant to weather and pests.
Go-an, a testament to Terunobu Fujimori’s innovative spirit and dedication to natural materials, offered visitors a unique architectural experience during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Though temporary, this tea house left a lasting impression, showcasing the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity that defines Fujimori’s work.
Go-an Tea House Plans
Go-an Tea House Image Gallery
About Terunobu Fujimori
Terunobu Fujimori is a renowned Japanese architect and historian, celebrated for his innovative and unconventional designs that blend traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern architectural principles. Since beginning his architectural career in the early 2000s, Fujimori has become known for his distinctive tea houses, which often feature unique materials and surprising forms, such as buildings perched on stilts or covered in natural elements like grass and charred wood. His work consistently challenges conventional architecture, offering fresh perspectives on space and material use.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Terunobu Fujimori: Architect – October 31, 2012 by Terunobu Fujimori, Dana Buntrock, Thomas Daniell, Toyo Ito
