Old is New – Architectural Works by New Material Research Laboratory
The paradoxical concept “the oldest things are the newest” runs through the works of the Japanese artist and photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto. In 2008, Sugimoto and the architect Tomoyuki Sakakida founded the New Material Research Laboratory, an architecture company that researches and develops “new materials” from known techniques by applying a different approach and interpretation. The laboratory researches and develops materials with the aim of rethinking the use of ancient materials and translating them into modern times.
Old is New deals with art and architecture by Sugimoto and Sakakida and the philosophy and practice of the New Material Research Laboratory. The book illustrates the choice of materials for each architectural project and presents images that show a balance between the present and the past. The text by Sugimoto and Sakakida deals with their approach and practice as well as the origin of the laboratory's design ethos, which is rooted in Japanese tradition and aesthetics. Additionally the architectural plans and their explanations provide insight into classical Japanese techniques and constructions. The book also includes an index of materials and classical Japanese techniques from the laboratory's research.
An important component for the concept of Old is New was the horizontal and vertical focus in Sugimoto's and Sakakida’s projects. The narrow and justified text as well as the ABC Favorit font with its straight, geometric shapes and his modern touch, reinterpret Sugimoto's and Sakakida's architecture and art. In addition, a lot of emphasis was placed on the connection between space, images and text. These three contents were precisely arranged and linked to one another on different levels to create an analogy to the various materials and the philosophy within the New Material Research Laboratory.
