Date and time: November 28 (Sat) 13:00 to 16:00

Visit to James's residence, former Goto's residence, former Guggenheim residence

　On November 28 (Saturday), a tour entitled "Go around the modern architecture of Kobe Shioya" was held. Shioya is located along the sea in the western part of Kobe City, and is an area known by people who know it as a town where many Western-style buildings remain. The day was fine and sunny, and it was a great day for the tour.

　Mr. Akira Matsukuma of Takenaka Corporation. He is a resident of Shioya since 1990 and has been involved in the preservation and utilization of James's residence to be visited this time (pictured is a glass chapel built in the corner of the garden of James's residence).

　The first time I visited was the James House, completed in 1934. It became Designated Cultural Property in Kobe City in 2012 and is now used as a restaurant and wedding hall. During the wedding ceremony in a separate building on the day, we toured so that we would not bother you.

The floor of the bar in the basement is an elegant design with colorful tiles. And the beam is a chona hanging.

　It is a long way to go to the former Guggenheim House, where the residential area developed by James is located, and then down to the shopping street. It was a hard journey of less than 30 minutes, including explanations about the town of Shioya and detours.

　At the former Guggenheim residence, Ali Morimoto, who owns and manages the residence, explains the building. Until now, it was said to be a building of 1909, but according to materials recently received from relatives of Guggenheim, it is said that it was 1911.

　After the explanation outside, we took a break while drinking coffee and tea inside, toured the building, and gave a mini-lecture by Mr. Matsukuma and Mr. Morimoto in the hall on the first floor. The former Guggenheim House, which is unpretentiously used in nature as a venue for music events and parties, is in contrast to James's House, which is a model for repairing and utilizing so-called "cultural properties".

　Finally, the former Goto residence. Located on a hill just next to the former Guggenheim House, the triangular roof building with an impressive red accent is often noticeable from trains. The view from the second floor was great. In addition, you will not notice that there is a Japanese-style building in the back and a large tatami room just from the outside. It is managed by Kobe City, but I want you to open up the way for good use.

　This is a tour of three typical Western-style buildings in Shioya. The fact that these buildings are carefully preserved is a major attraction of the town of Shioya. What we introduced at the exhibition was the technology of building making, but it was a tour where we could teach the importance of repairing and using it.

　In addition, as an event related to the Modern Architecture Exhibition, we are preparing attractive tours at the Nagoya and Tokyo venues. In each case, the number of people who can participate is limited, but if you wish, please apply by all means.