Travel 4 Archi: 'D2' Place that put me in Awe: Teshima Island

Free download of our itineary to help your journey! Please support by followin g our Tiktok, Youtube & Instagram!

T4A_3D in Naoshima & Teshima Island.pdf

Download PDF • 447KB

Day 2: Architectural Wonders on Teshima Island

15th June 2024

Breakfast view from Lodge

09:20: Ferry to Ieura Ferry Port The next morning, we took a ferry from Miyanoura to Ieura Ferry Port on Teshima Island. The short boat ride offered beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea, setting the stage for a day filled with architectural marvels.

11:00: Teshima Art Museum_The importance of negative Void and lightness

Our primary destination was the Teshima Art Museum, a unique blend of architecture and nature. Designed by Ryue Nishizawa and Rei Naito, the museum features an organic, shell-like structure that seamlessly integrates with its surroundings. Sanaa has the craft in making amazing spacious sculpture voids and also at the same time making it look light-weight +airy!

As we approached, the museum’s exterior resembled two smooth, alien-like blobs nestled in the ground.

Separate entrance for ticket checking

View out from ticket booth

Winding path with picnic spots towards the sea

The curvy path then guides you into a forest

Leading to the entrance of the Museum which is space+art installation

Inside, we found a vast, open space with a thin concrete shell, illuminated by natural light filtering through two skylights. The silence inside the museum was profound, heightening our appreciation of the minimalist design and the subtle interactions between light, water, and sound.

The museum’s floor, slightly concave, collected rainwater that dripped from the ceiling apertures, creating a tranquil and ever-changing pattern of water droplets. Thin strings hung from the ceiling, dancing gently with the breeze and adding to the space’s serene ambiance. These subtle movements and the sound of the droplets created a meditative experience, blurring the boundaries between art, architecture, and nature.

There are nano size hole everywhere in the concrete floor oozing out water droplets often. The floor has been designed with gradient in which the droplet flows and move; to become a stagnant droplet, eventually growing bigger as the droplets accumulate and flow towards a puddle. This is part of the art installation, and there are smaller items on the floor like a small butterfly model, some pearl/pebble looking stones scattered around the floor. SO watch your steps! There was so many unseen hole with droplets, I had accidentally stepped twice and wet my sock eventhough I've been super careful walking around!

.Spot the 3 dancing thin strings in the space, they capture the movement of the breeze. Nature it’s the only performance you need. 2 of those string are obvious as they are near the opening and light source, and the 3rd one if you have bad eyesight like me; you might not find it. It’s located in the centre of the space! Look out for a nip in the ceiling in the centre of the space to fine the 3rd thin dancing string!

Sadly, I can't take any photos inside. These are cropped photos I took from outside, even so I was being told off by the museum staff. Please go and experience this space for yourself!

Also, the photos from the museum website looks more like this of the interior!:

To the Cafe

Ami and I who are both architects, loved this space so much that we spent almost 2 hours here. Taking our time to look at the all detailing, enjoying the tranquility in the space. I also wonder how one could stay still to enjoy a space, cause I did notice some other tourist being abit more rowdy. I came to a conclusion that perhaps, the space acts as mirror; a place that reflect what is inside and the ability to notice or catch the moment to the beautiful things in life!

12:00: Shima Kitchen & Art Installation: Your First Color

After the awe-inspiring visit to the Teshima Art Museum, our next stop was the Shima Kitchen, a project by architect Ryo Abe. This unique restaurant is not just about food; it's an architectural and community experience. Shima Kitchen was conceived as a place where locals and visitors can connect through food, art, and architecture. The structure itself is a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese elements and modern design. The open-air kitchen and dining area are surrounded by lush gardens, creating a tranquil setting that invites relaxation and reflection.

The culinary experience at Shima Kitchen was equally impressive. We enjoyed a meal made from locally sourced ingredients, prepared with a touch of artistry that reflected the island's rich cultural heritage. Each dish was a masterpiece, both in flavor and presentation, making our lunch an integral part of our immersive experience on Teshima.

Adjacent to Shima Kitchen was the art installation "Your First Color" by Pipilotti Rist. This vibrant, immersive piece invited us to engage with color and light in a playful, almost childlike way. The installation's use of multimedia elements created an environment that was both surreal and enchanting, adding a layer of whimsical exploration to our day.

13:30: Ichigo-ya: Strawberry Ice Shaving Place

After lunch, we made a refreshing stop at Ichigo-ya, a local favorite known for its strawberry ice shaving treats. This quaint spot provided a delightful break from our architectural explorations. The sweet, icy dessert was a perfect way to cool down, and the vibrant flavors of fresh strawberries made it a memorable treat. As we enjoyed our shaved ice, we also took in the charming atmosphere of the shop, which, with its simple and inviting design, reflected the island’s blend of tradition and modernity.

14:00: Teshima Yokoo House

Our next architectural marvel was the Teshima Yokoo House, a former private residence transformed into an art space by artist Tadanori Yokoo and architect Yuko Nagayama. The house combines traditional Japanese architecture with contemporary art installations, creating a dynamic dialogue between past and present. Each room in the house featured different artworks by Yokoo, with themes ranging from personal memories to broader social commentary. The architectural design of the house, with its wooden beams and tatami mats, provided a warm and intimate setting for Yokoo's vibrant and eclectic artworks. This juxtaposition of old and new made the Teshima Yokoo House a thought-provoking and immersive experience. Although, I think this was not a necessary visit except to their amazing bathroom.

15:47: Ferry Back to Miyanoura, Naoshima After spending a few hours immersed in the serene environment of the Teshima Art Museum, we reluctantly made our way back to Ieura Ferry Port for our return journey to Naoshima. The ferry ride back offered us a final chance to soak in the beauty of the islands, leaving us with a sense of fulfillment and awe.

Reflecting on Teshima and Looking Forward to Naoshima

The beauty of Teshima Island lies in its ability to blend natural landscapes with innovative art and architecture seamlessly. Each venue we visited offered not just a visual feast, but also a deeper understanding of how space, light, and material can be used to create environments that inspire and provoke thought. The adventures of the day had enriched our appreciation for the delicate balance between human creativity and the natural world. As we concluded our exploration of Teshima Island, we were struck by the profound interconnectedness of art, architecture, and community. Each venue, from the serene Teshima Art museum to the Shima kitchen, offered a unique perspective on how spaces can shape and enhance our experiences. Our day on Teshima was a rich tapestry of sensory and intellectual engagement, leaving us eager to continue our architectural journey on Naoshima the following day.

Information on Maps & other venue if you manage to get more time:

We have provided a Free download of our itineary to help your journey! Please support us by followin g our Tiktok, Youtube & Instagram! We are uploading our video experiences on these media platform as well! Join us on our journey too!