Sunday, July 5, 2015

Interiors From Two Perspectives :: By Mark Cleveland :: Daruma Magazine :: Tokyo, 1994

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

Important Avanti Natural Links
Pinterest




Youtube

Avanti Natural


Avanti Café


Facebook





Twitter


Instagram


Avanti Natural Website & Blog



linkedin


No comments: