INUJIMA LANDSCAPE PROJECT

SANAA’s architecture is known for its subtlety and precision. Such sophistication is the consequence of an obsessive insistence in refining the form, until all unnecessary moves and elements have been discarded. What is paradoxical in their intense treatment of form and construction is that they don’t seem to feel the need to leave a strong personal mark through their buildings, and yet they are able to become the signature of the place. SANAA’s constructions have the virtue of being able to be scrutinized and also to become background as soon as the tourist’s curiosity and avidity are satisfied. Such attributes seem to be particularly pertinent while intervening in fragile yet attractive environments like Inujima Island. Such a capacity to make small, modest interventions capable of respecting the integrity of the place and yet be powerful enough to attract visitors who are the life and source of income for the place are lessons that are worth bearing in mind in other cases: the power of delicacy and the confidence in modesty (when required).