A new publication from favourite Norm Architects highlighting the centuries-old connections between the distinct design cultures, emphasizing mutual respect and shared philosophies. At once an ode to Japan, a personal travelogue, and an aesthetic manifesto, On the blog I share Norm Architects work from when I first entered their office in Copenhagen in 2013 where we got to do a styling challenge with our blogger team.
Over the years we witnessed Norm’s decade-long journey as they have sought to understand one of the world’s most revered creative cultures. “Exploring Japanese aesthetics from a Scandinavian perspective has been a journey of curiosity as well as introspection.” says Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen, co-founder of Norm Architects. ‘Stillness’ is an exploration of Japanese aesthetics in architecture and design from a Scandinavian perspective. Across the seas, two distant regions have developed similar approaches to design and architecture that share a respect for nature, a sensitivity to light, and a dedication to craft.
A traditional Japanese tokonoma room
Exemplifying the book concept is the description of a traditional Japanese tokonoma room, which is an alcove that is used to display art, calligraphy, or flower arrangements. A space filled with symbolic and spiritual meaning. The book then juxtaposes such a room with the Scandinavian interpretation of it, displaying photographs of both, like inspired Japanese flower arrangements, or Fresh Green Leafs hanging from a wall vase at the Sjöparken Lake Villa in Sweden.
Stillness by Gestalten will be world wide available from October 8
Photography by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen / last image vosgesparis
