Research introduction

Learning the Wisdom and Skills of Our Predecessors
from Old Architecture and Applying Them
to Pass Down Culture and Benefit Future Lifestyles

Many old structures that were built by those who came before us still remain in the world today. And even for architecture that no longer exists, there are cases where their appearance can be inferred from historical documents and drawings. Currently, when structures that are tangible cultural properties are repaired in Japan, the structure’s condition is first surveyed in detail, and contents of the restoration work is recorded. This information is extremely useful for following generations. I believe that this approach can contribute to other countries as well in their protection of structures and cultural properties, and the passing down of history and culture.
New buildings are constructed by following or being informed by previous architecture. It would probably be difficult to erect buildings that enrich our lives and social activities without any knowledge of the history of architecture. I believe that coming in touch with the wisdom and experience of our predecessors by studying the history of Japanese architecture will provide sustenance for many.

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MESSAGE

Old structures, including castle architecture, are inscribed with the features and thoughts of the people who built and used them. Elucidating their background and using logic to uncover the truth is the most fascinating aspect of Japanese architectural history, and it makes this research very rewarding. “Knowing what was unknown” is, of course, enjoyable, but I even find the state of “not knowing the unknown” to be enjoyable, and that is also the thrill of this research.
Fukui University of Technology has established the FUT Fukui Castle and Castle Town Research Laboratory, a research institute specializing in castle architecture. We are probably the only university in Japan that has such an institution. Because of this specialization in castles, we are often asked by local governments and communities to conduct studies on castles, and what we learn from those investigations sometimes develops into new research. In addition, because the Matudaira clan consistently ruled the Fukui domain during the Edo period, the Matsudaira Bunko Library, which was possessed by the Fukui domain, contains a considerable collection of historical documents and drawings of the period. This is why I believe that our university has an excellent environment for those wishing to learn more about Japanese castle architecture.

Yoshihito Tame photo

Yoshihito Tame

Professor, Faculty of Engineering, Department
of Architecture and Civil Engineering
Doctor of Engineering
Director, FUT Fukui Castle and Castle Town
Research Laboratory

Research Theme

“Revealing and Visualizing Castle Architecture that No Longer Exist”

My research in the history of Japanese architecture concerns castle construction in Japan’s early modern period, from the Azuchi-Momoyama period to the Edo period. Castle construction skills are considered to have reached their peak during the Edo period, and there are many interesting things to note here, including the ingenuity shown by craftsmen involved in their construction. My research focuses on castles in the Reihoku area of Fukui Prefecture, including Fukui Castle of the Matsudaira clan that ruled the Fukui domain, and Maruoka Castle in Sakai City. Among them, Maruoka Castle was one of the 12 remaining donjons in Japan, and it was rebuilt after it was destroyed in the Fukui Earthquake in 1948. I am also conducting onsite surveys and research on how much old and new structural members were used in that reconstruction.
Much is still unknown about castle architecture, and questions found in the field and in historical documents themes become themes for research. Everything possible is done to find answers to these questions by collecting and perusing historical documents and drawings from libraries and other sources, and also taking measurements in the field. It is slow and steady work, but the joy felt when something new is discovered and confirmed is profound. Recently, we also produced a VR restoration that allows many people to see a castle that no longer exists.

A scale model of the inner citadel of Fukui Castle of the Matsudaira clan photo

A scale model of the inner citadel of Fukui Castle of the Matsudaira clan that ruled the Fukui domain. The castle from that time can be imagined more realistically when viewed in three dimensions.

The FUT Fukui Castle and Castle Town Research Laboratory photo

The FUT Fukui Castle and Castle Town Research Laboratory also stores structural members such as parts of castle pillars and roof tiles mainly uncovered within Fukui Prefecture.

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Considering Public Transportation
and Land Use
That Match Population Decline
and Other Changes in
Social Structure

Since around the 1960s when Japan entered its period of rapid economic growth, many people began using cars on a daily basis, with a focus on pursuing efficiency and convenience. In recent years, however, as social structure changes with the aging and shrinking population, it has become necessary for us to shift values from quantity to quality, and place greater importance on the human dimension (human scale). The task on hand is to reduce the size of our growing cities and renew them into communities where people can move about on foot. Today, public transportation is said to be indispensable for urban development that improves the quality of people's lives. The use of railways and renewal of the area around central railway stations are now being studied by the national government and local governments as well. I believe that responses and solutions to such social challenges can also be applied in countries overseas.

MESSAGE

In classes and research on town development, we analyze the current situation from both the results of surveys on local residents (qualitative evaluation) and objective data such as the results of various past statistical studies and the actual structure of the town (quantitative evaluation). Based on this analysis, we consider the elements necessary for town renewal and present a vision and direction to the local government and other stakeholders. Students participate in the collection and analysis of materials and data necessary for the evaluation, and we also make proposals that not only concern hard infrastructure, but also soft infrastructure. For example, regarding the area around Mikuni Station on the Echizen Railway, in order to study how to connect the station to the historic townscape area, fieldwork and collection of data on the area around the station were first conducted to grasp the current situation, and then a final plan and concrete proposal for renewal of this area were formulated. In addition, leveraging the characteristics of our Department of Design, signs to facilitate strolls around the town were also designed in collaboration with students majoring in other fields (media/product design). In my research lab, we are able to communicate closely with the local residents and hear local views and the opinions of those in various positions. Since there are also many opportunities for practical studies, my lab offers an environment where students can approach learning and research with even greater enthusiasm.

Jun Mitera photo

Jun Mitera

Professor, Faculty of Environmental and Information Sciences,
Department of Design Doctor of Engineering
Director, Urban Design Center

Research Theme

“Land Use Around Railway Stations and Urban Development Centering on Stations”

With the key words of "public transportation and land use," my research focuses on "regional cities." Valuing the local features and character ofre gional cities, Ia m conducting research to propose evaluations based on criteria that place importance on efects unique to respective regions, in addition to criteria such as profitability, which isu sed ine valuaiton ofm etropoltian areas. Specifically, Is tudied the stiuaiton ofl and use wtihina 500-meter radius ofJ Ra nd local railways taitons int he Reihoku area of Fukui Prefecture. The data was analyzed and classified into groups, with the directionality, as well as developments and measures thatsh ould be given priority, also presented. Ial so make proposals to the local governments on how existing stock, such as station buildings and surrounding facilities, could be utilized. A recent activity promoted with students is a study on the renewal of the area around Mikuni Staiton on the Echizen Railway. With its Edo and Meiji period streets, this area retains an atmosphere that conveys the old port town's history. From the perspective of town development that leverages this characteristic, the town structure and townscape were viewed objectively and quantitative surveys such as examining the number of people walking through the town were also conducted. This project is now being advanced while holding ongoing discussions with the local community.

A scale model of the proposed area development around Mikuni Station photo

A scale model of the proposed area development around Mikuni Station was prepared as a student assignment. This helped make the proposal more concrete and also deepened the understanding of the students.

As part of the development of the area around Mikuni Station photo

As part of the development of the area around Mikuni Station, a map including sightseeing spots was prepared and installed in front of the station.