Did you know that tactile paving was invented in Japan? Okay, maybe you did, but did you know that in many places in Japan these tiles are actually made of nice grainy granite? I most certainly didn’t. The paint came off here in Uji and at first I thought I was looking at some computer-game-like glitch. It’s kind of sad the stone texture is always covered in yellow paint for better recognition, but I believe in Europe it’s usually made of clay or concrete.

I just received a message from my supervisor saying that I got accepted to Kyoto University. To be honest, I’m happy and slightly confused at the same time: it is definitely great to feel that your efforts were rewarded but a bit scary to realize that your fate for the next 3-4 years suddenly gets decided. Anyway, that means this channel will continue to be about Japan and architecture for many years to come. Sending ♥️ from Fushimi-Inari shrine that’s finally completely devoid of tourists (apart from me).

A very playful facade in Otaru, Hokkaido.

I was lucky to visit Sanaa’s new Bocconi Campus in Milan last month. The curtain facade solution looks very similar to their 2012 Vitra factory building in Germany, but this time it’s much more transparent. It’s a pity the internal courtyard is closed to the general public.