Exformation

Inspired by the famous Japanese graphic designer Kenya Hara, I would like to use his thoughts on ‘exformation’ in the Kyoto Machiya Research.

He writes about ‘exformation’ as a counterpart of ‘information’: information is about making things know. Exformation is about understanding how little we know. What we are used to do, when we visit a new place is gathering information from all kind of sources (books, internet, friends). We want to see what we expect. Exformation is everything we do not actually say but have in our heads, when or before we say anything at all.

In this sense I want to ask questions in a different way, look at the history of the machi from an unexpected angle, use our imagination to create new views. Concepts in relation to the old Machiya which I would like te explore are: lightning, filling the empty space, simpleness of the furniture, fragile walls of paper and architecture of the house.

During workshops and research I will explore new ways of looking at the Machiya: how it has been used over the centuries and how it can be used in the future. By focussing on the concept of ‘exformation’, I want to find new ideas to look at the culture of the machiya and show new insights on how to preserve and develop this rich cultural heritage.
By making films, photographs, maps and drawings during my stay, I will create a reservoir of creative resources, a manuel for living in a Machiya.

A reflection on what the Machiya has been, what it is and what it can be. By inviting young and old inhabitants, scientists and streetwise people, designers, artists and local residents I want to create an interaction between old and new culture in an interactive way.