A number of weeks ago I enjoyed the Nenganjo card workshop run by the bright and bubbly E from Hello Sandwich. Tonight she ran another workshop but this time it was big league craft with over 20 of us packing into Kazuyo Sejima's Shibaura House. We all endeavored to make fabric book covers for a book of our choice. I decided to use a small moleskine notebook and make a cover to give to my little sister when she arrives in Tokyo for a visit in April (man i'm a rad brother). After a long week of making models for Kengo Kuma new Taipei project, I was well tuned for making something. However I am complete novice when it comes to sewing and fabric so it was a little cumbersome to get going and achieve straight lines. Nonetheless, I persevered as did my fellow 'sandwiches' and was happy with the final result. By the end I found the sewing very therapeutic and was disappointed that the two hours was up. In spite of the darkness, I poked my head in and around the courtyard spaces and curved interior spaces. The interior was light, white, bare and functional. The double height courtyards, spiraling staircases and curved glass where all trademarks of Sejima's work. Despite the overall sense lightness and transparency, the build quality, exposed structural members and isolation of the interior spaces conveyed assurance and intimacy. I would like to revisit it during the day and with more human activity to get a more informed opinion.
image: noyafujii