Daruma Magazine Autumn 1994
Publisher: Takeguchi Momoko
Editor: Alistair Seton
Daruma is fascinated by the ways
in which Japanese objects can be combined with Western patterns of living and
we asked Mark Cleveland and June Colburn to show us some of their
solutions. We think that Mark’s
designs will be instructive to our readers and many will treasure the photos
hat accompany his contribution.
Mark Cleveland has lived in Japan for ten years, working in the field of
interior design. He has a degree
in architecture from the University of California at Berkeley. His partner, Mori Takako, is an
interior designer, licensed architect and graduate of Kyoritsu Women’s
University. Both are members of
the American Society of Interior Designers.
Interiors From Two Perspectives
By Mark Cleveland
Photo caption 1: Combined living/dining room in compact
apartment, with three-piece kasane dansu
placed around the room for storage (one piece not shown) and copper
candle-stand transformed into a lamp.
A hand-dyed futon cover adorns the dining-room wall. Sudare
gently screen an uninspiring view.
Concept behind BIAN
It was just over three years ago
that my partner and I hit on the idea for a design company. We had just collaborated on inter
design projects for the clientele of a major Tokyo department store and had
worked in the design field for several years. We realized that combining our skills in architecture and
interior design w/ a multicultural element, we could blend the diversity of our
cultures in a way that had not been done in the Japanese market.
We chose the name BIAN meaning
beautiful concept. The firm
provides personalized design services for executive residences, offices,
corporate, public and hospitality spaces, and resort projects. When creating BIAN, we wanted to focus
on an international approach which provides solutions and ideas for our
clients’ needs and interests, not on an “encyclopedic approach” to the creation
of interior spaces. Our basic
philosophy is one of working directly with each individual client’s needs and
fine-tuning their ideas.
Incorporating Japanese and other
Asian art and antiques into the design of a room has been a very rewarding
challenge. There is so much
beauty, so many old things to see for the first time and then to learn about,
and so many fascinatingly refreshing color combinations, structural details and
unique compositions to thrill the eye and stimulate the imagination. Very often, Mori and I see the same
object and marvel at hour our very different perceptions can create new design
solutions.
Photo Caption 2: Ranma
lined with black silk create visual interest in urban bedroom.
Creating atmosphere
Japanese pieces require the
proper environment in order to come to life. The simple construction and design subtlety of tansu or byobu demand considered placement, effective lighting and
appropriate viewing angles. The
intricate inlay work of a European antique may encourage close scrutiny, but
the straightforward display of keyaki drawer fronts on a Japanese storage chest
requires a little distance to fully appreciate. Experimenting, focusing on the details and slowly tailoring
the overall space is fulfilling for both designer and client.
While all of BIAN’s designs
utilize our personal blend of East and West, it is in our residential and
corporate hospitality work that Japanese art and antiques take center
stage. In suck projects, it is
preferable to choose the art works first and then customize the interior to
showcase the art.
The completed room, with its
clear focal points, comfortable seating and soft ambient light, results in a
spce infused w/ atmosphere.
Looking at the artwork becomes somtheing like gazing at a fireplace, or
– dare I say it – watching TV. The
art itself seems to draw you in a carry you along on a wave of symbiotic
imagination.
Photo Caption 3: Executive study features two-panel art
nouveau-inspired Taisho era screen painting and wooden Kanto style nagahibachi.
Photo Caption 4: Beautiful 19h century screen featuring
monkeys underlies design. Custom
furniture was prepared with screen viewing in mind. Four-piece Japanese screen stand was designed to elevate
screen to comfortable viewing level.
Woodblock prints are by Paul Jacoulet. Pair of antique Chinese camphor trunks, Bizen and ancient
Burmese ceramics complete the space.
Photo by Shibata Hiro
Owners and renters
While we have been lucky enough
to work with some truly spectacular pieces, there have been limitations. Most of our Japanese clients are not
particularly excited about indigenous art or antiques. However, they are usually homeowners and so are more interested in
structural renovations that allow us maximum design flexibility.
Our foreign clients, on the other
hand, are fascinated by Asian pieces, but being renters, naturally do not want
to invest in architectural renovation.
In those projects we have always tried to reserve a major portion of
their budget for art and antiques, which we agree is the wisest course under
the circumstances. But we are
always looking for opportunities to work on ever more comprehensive
projects.
Actually constructing custom
spaces for the display of artworks and fine objects is a terrific and enriching
challenge.
Photo Caption 5: A classical late 19th
century Sendai yaro dansu, two
Chinese horseshoe chairs and Burmese dancers of gilt wood and glass inlay
accentuate bar area in executive living space.
Photo Caption 6: Elegant, masculine master bedroom. Bedside lamp crafted from antique
bronze hibachi stand on 19th century Japanese kasane dansu. 19th
century tiger screen is dramatic focal point.
Photo Caption 7: New screen crafted from vintage kimono
and obi fabric adorns lobby of resort condominium complex in Atami. Japanese chests, candle stick lamps and
ceramics as well as Italian and bamboo furniture create a subtle yet
stimulating space.
Customizing
One area in which we have had the
chance to fine-tine our skills is in designing custom furniture and
lighting. We often create
furniture in customized proportions to maximize functionality in the space and
to gently accentuate the art.
Using objects, craft pieces and fine porcelains to create one of a kind
lamps and light fixtures is our specialty.
In the future, we plan to produce
a limited line of furniture and lighting for the retail market. The selection of foreign interior
materials is satisfactory and there is a wide range of strictly Japanese
offerings, but we have found that contemporary pieces often fail to integrate
functional elements from East and West.
We hope to create new designs for this niche because there are many
features from various cultures that could easily be combined to enhance an
object’s function and increase its beauty.
As everyone with even the
slightest interest in collection knows, it is the search that is the ‘purest
fun’. Visiting the various shops,
dealers, events and fairs can become almost addictive. That thirst to see absolutely
everything is invigorating and can lead to an infinity of ideas to incorporate
into future designs, not to mention a small treasure trove of materials to
combine with each other.
We oppose the idea that there is
only one best design: there are
numerous solutions – which is great.
The focus of our work is to craft a space around the unique needs and
tastes of each client. When a
space begins to take on the owner’s personality, we feel the most
satisfaction.
In fact, we like to leave plenty
of room within the design for clients, so they will feel free to add to and
personalize their environment as they see fit. Interior design is not meant to be static. It is a kind of living sculpture meant
to form spaces in a considered and appealing way for those using, living and
working in them. Every client
brings a new viewpoint, new considerations and perspectives.
Exciting time
It’s an invigorating time for
interior design in Japan. There’s
so much opportunity and so much to be done. Recently we have noticed a desire among clients to experiment
more, to express themselves and their own unique tastes; we are very excited
with the design directions we see emerging.
Eat, Live & Party Well
Blog post by Chef Mark Cleveland
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