Small Group Night Walk Review 2020.11.28　　東悟子 An online review session was held to reflect on the “Small Group” night walk surveys conducted across seven locations in October and November. As members shared their observations and experiences, each report sparked curiosity and inspiration—many found themselves wanting to explore the places others had visited next. Participants joined from a variety of locations — their homes, workplaces, izakaya(Japanese style pubs), and even schools Each group leader gave a report on their night walk survey findings We held our fourth online salon of the year, focusing on a review of the night walk surveys conducted in small groups during October and November. Each area leader reported on their respective night walk survey. Typically, we divide into three to four groups to explore the same area and then present our findings. However, this time, the night walk surveys were conducted in completely different locations—including Nagoya, the Midosuji Illumination in Osaka, the Shibuya public restroom tour & Miyashita Park, Toyosu, Yanaka, Azabu-Juban, and Somei Cemetery & Sugamo. As a result, the reports were rich in variety, and the 90 minutes flew by. In the report from Nagoya, which focused on streetlights, large and flamboyantly designed streetlights were introduced and praised as “heroes” for contributing to the vibrant, energetic atmosphere characteristic of the city. On the other hand, LED illuminations that cast an overwhelmingly blue hue over the surroundings were labeled as “villains.” The team in charge…

Santorini, one of the many island of Greece, is a crescent-shaped island in the Aegean Sea. The chalk-white townscape on top of the steep bluffs of this island constantly changes with the natural light, like a painter’s canvas, and one is reminded that artificial light does not compare to the beauty of natural light. One of the many Greek Orthodox Churches in Oia Village of Santorini Island. The strong afternoon sunrays reflected off the white walls and blue roof of the church as the ocean and sky sink into the background. Lights come on slowly as the evening approaches Oia. Everyday tourists gather on the tip of the cape to view the sunset that is said to be the one of the best in the world. Five hundred and eighty stairs take one up 300m from the waters edge to the top of the bluff. Along this narrow path, light from souvenir shops is the only illumination in the night.

Interviewer: Ton Kek Hian Wee Ton: Today, I’d like to talk about traveling. I understand that you are a very well-traveled person. So, do you prefer exploring nature or the built environment of cities? Mende: Which one do you prefer? Ton: As for me, I’m more of a city person because I love looking at structures.  When I was young, I loved playing with Lego and was always building something. So, when I travel, I enjoy looking at buildings, and seeing the different designs. I guess that makes me more of a ‘city person.’ How about you, Mr. Mende? Are you a nature lover or a city explorer? Mende: I like both, but I’m especially drawn to nature because it always inspires me. Nature is truly important to me. We, Japanese people, have a deep respect for nature, viewing things like the ocean, mountains, and even humans themselves as part of it.Since I started aspiring to a career in design, I’ve had more opportunities to travel and visit cities around the world. I enjoy exploring different cities and observing local people’s lives and architectural designs. However, I still find I sometimes need to reconnect with nature from time to time in order to find balance.I’ve been to Tanzania with my wife to see wild animals in their natural habitat. You might not know this, but I started scuba diving when I am 60 years old, and by the time I…

In the heart of Tokyo, Nihonbashi River lies hidden under a system of highway overpasses and the Sumida River is wide and commanding and it cuts through the city. With a variety of bridges, both rivers assert their own unique presence in the Tokyo cityscape. On our own river tour, we encountered the particular water and lightscapes surrounding the bridges and shores of each river. The newly built Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower next to the famous Nihonbashi Bridge. This is the first skyscraper in the Nihonbashi area and as the sun sets, the facade detail is elegantly illuminated. At the historical Nihonbashi District, a variety of lighting methods are on parade, but the highway overpasses keep most of the river hidden from view. Rumors of reconstructing the highway system underground would help revive the scenery along the Nihonbashi River. The main structure of the Chuo-Ohbashi Bridge is beautifully illuminated. The many bridges along the Sumida River compete with each other for top beauty marks, as each is illuminated in a multitude of colors.

Interviewer: Chia Xing Chia Xing: Mr. Mende, how did you feel when you got your first house? Mende: My first house after getting married 48 years ago, is a reasonably small condominium and that was also when I just started as a lighting designer. At that time, I thought I must do something special for the house. But I did not have much money to spend, so I decided to do more for the flexible interior. How about your house? Is your house a condominium? Chia Xing: My upcoming house is a HDB flat, which is Government-subsidised public housing for Singaporeans. In Singapore, it is rather difficult to get a completely new house as we are required to go through a bidding system. I got the bid for this house 6 years ago. The house was supposed to be completed by this year but due to Covid, it got delayed. Mende: Are you going to renovate your house? It must be exciting. Chia Xing: Yes! It is exciting as there are some expectations to the house lighting as I am a lighting designer. Mende: How many rooms are there in the house? Chia Xing: This is the layout of our house. We have 3 bedrooms, but I am thinking of removing one bedroom to make the living room bigger. My husband and I like to host gatherings, so we prefer a larger living room to have more space for guests to hang out. This is…