When I was a child, whenever I stepped over the threshold of my parents' Kyoto machiya, the warm aroma of tatami mats and wooden architecture and the soft light of bare bulbs soothed my soul. That feeling remained with me even as an adult, and I harbored a desire to preserve this valuable place forever.
Fire pouch from the perspective of the family home's okudo-san
However, with the loss of so many important things due to the corona, the question arose as to how we can protect and even utilize Kyomachiya in the future.
To answer this question, I began to think of a new business plan centered on my own Kyo-machiya. The following is a description of my vision and the direction in which I intend to take in building a future business model.
Introduction.
First, it is necessary to reaffirm the attractiveness of Kyomachiya and share its value extensively. We believe it is important to utilize the traditional architectural style and history of Kyomachiya and have as many people as possible experience its appeal.
Next, a plan should be developed to renovate Kyomachiya to adapt them to modern lifestyles and make them functional and comfortable to use. The potential of Kyomachiya will be maximized through the discovery of new uses, such as use as a café, store, or co-working space. Many options will be explored to see what possibilities are available.
And in the future, we hope to strengthen ties with the local community and work with local people and businesses to build a sustainable business model in which Kyomachiya can both contribute to and be supported by the local community.
Charm of Kyomachiya
The characteristics of the Kyomachiya are symbolized by its unique "eel bed" shape. This unique structure strongly reflects the influence of ancient Kyoto urban planning. The "mise-no-Ma" facing the street is used as a commercial space, while the "Daidoko-ma" and "Oku-Zashiki" at the rear are used as living spaces. A 1-3 tsubo-niwa (1 tsubo) garden is located at the rear of the street garden to maintain an airy and bright living environment. These designs specifically reflect the lifestyles and social conditions of the time, and are the result of ancient wisdom and technology.
Culturally, Kyomachiya concentrates the essence of traditional Japanese culture. The traditional architectural style, carefully selected materials, and unique interior design show the Japanese sense of beauty in every part of the house. These houses were built with the skillful techniques of skilled craftsmen, and the beauty and functionality of each individual building can still be seen today, even after all these years.
Geographically, Kyoto is a basin surrounded by mountains on three sides except to the south. Because of this topography, the heat and cold are severe. Summers in modern Kyoto are still hot and humid. Winter is the season of "bottom chill," and no matter how much heating is used, it is not easy to warm up to the core of one's body. Despite these climatic characteristics, Kyoto's machiya houses are built with ingenuity. Various innovations can be seen in order to live comfortably even in the harsh environment. It may be inconvenient, but the attitude of making use of these innovations and living comfortably is alive and well in the design of the Kyoto machiya.
"The construction of a house should be based on summer." - Kenko Hoshi, Tsurezuregusa
From the next issue onward, I would like to describe the current business plan that I have devised myself.
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