The Shiseido Art House, located in the tranquil landscape east of Hamamatsu, was designed by the architects Takamiya Shinsuke and Yoshio Taniguchi. The building is a masterclass in the fusion of geometry, light, and materiality. It earned accolades such as the AIJ Prize 1980 and the JIA 25-Year Prize 2010. These awards recognize the building’s aesthetic appeal and its enduring contribution to the local environment and architectural discourse.
Shiseido Art House Technical Information
- Architects1-3: Takamiya Shinsuke and Yoshio Taniguchi
- Location: Hamamatsu, Japan
- Topics: Minimalism
- Completion Year: 1978
- Photographs: Images via _reference
The design was about putting together simple geometric shapes like squares and circles, and in that sense, my intention was to create a form akin to an abstract sculpture.
– Yoshio Taniguchi 4
Shiseido Art House Photographs
The Interplay of Light and Space
The collaboration between Shinsuke and Taniguchi resulted in a simple and complex structure, embodying a dialogue between opposites. The Shiseido Art House is conceived as an abstract sculpture, where squares and circles interplay to create a dynamic spatial experience. Taniguchi’s approach to the design was to harness the power of basic geometric forms, which he then animated with the careful manipulation of light and shadow. The result is a building that invites visitors to explore its spaces as much as the art it houses.
At the heart of the building’s design is the interplay between interior and exterior, light and dark, open and closed. The exterior walls, finished in metallic silver porcelain tiles and mirrored glass, express Shiseido’s commitment to innovation and forward-thinking design. These materials, devoid of color and human scale, create a sleek, almost otherworldly façade that reflects the surrounding gardens and sky, blurring the lines between the built environment and nature. This building challenges the viewer to reconsider the boundaries of architecture.
Inside, the exhibition spaces are carefully curated to enhance the experience of the displayed artworks. The play of light is a central theme, with windows strategically placed to draw in natural light, creating a dynamic atmosphere that changes throughout the day. In the unique exhibition spaces, light is controlled to complement the displayed pieces, while in the standing exhibit areas, light floods in from the gardens outside, creating a sense of continuity between the art and the natural world.
The Shiseido Art House is not just a museum but a cultural statement, embodying the philosophy of its creators and Shiseido’s corporate ethos. It is a building that has aged gracefully, its minimalist design remaining as relevant today as it was when it opened its doors in 1978.
Shiseido Art House Plans
Shiseido Art House Image Gallery
About Takamiya Shinsuke and Taniguchi Yoshio
Taniguchi Yoshio is a Japanese architect who is celebrated for his minimalist and modernist designs. He is best known for his work on cultural institutions, including the Shiseido Art House and the expansion of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, which earned him international acclaim. Taniguchi’s architecture is characterized by meticulous attention to detail, harmonious integration of light and space, and simple geometric forms. He has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career, including the Praemium Imperiale for Architecture in 2005. His work continues to influence contemporary architecture worldwide.
Takamiya Shinsuke is a distinguished Japanese architect known for his contributions to modern architecture in Japan. He is celebrated for his collaborative work with Yoshio Taniguchi on the Shiseido Art House, a project that earned them the AIJ Prize in 1980. Takamiya’s approach to architecture is deeply rooted in a blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modernist principles, emphasizing simplicity, harmony with the environment, and the innovative use of materials. His work on the Shiseido Art House, in particular, showcases his ability to create functional and profoundly artistic spaces, contributing to the building’s lasting recognition and acclaim in the architectural community.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Awards: AIJ Prize (Architectural Institute of Japan) – 1980, JIA 25 Year Prize (Japan Institute of Architects) – 2010
- Materials: Exterior Walls: Metallic silver porcelain tiles, Mirrored Glass, Stainless steel wall joints
- Yoshio Taniguchi: Nine Museums by Terence Riley, Yoshio Taniguchi
- The Architecture of Yoshio Taniguchi by Yoshio Taniguchi
