Shanghai Tour Report (2)

Today I would like to talk about design offices.
First of all, I would like to talk about the fact that young Japanese architects are advancing into China and making great strides.
The person who brought it to the world's attention was Sako Keiichiro, who appeared on Jonetsu Tairiku.
Of course, even before that, great architects such as Tadao Ando
They were expanding all over the world, but young architects were also expanding.
The fact that the company was receiving orders for large-scale projects was not widely known within the industry.
I think so.
I just turned 37, but on this tour,
38-year-old Higashi (HMA) and 35-year-old Igarashi (Studio At)
We talked a lot in particular.
Although he is almost the same generation as me, Mr. Higashi already has 50 staff members.
More than 2 projects covering more than 10 square meters are currently underway.
That was the situation.
I used to work at the largest design firm in Hyogo Prefecture, but
I think most of them were between 2000 and 10000 square meters.
In Japan, if you are looking for a property over 2 mXNUMX, you will need a large design firm.
I don't think that unless you're a large general contractor, you can get this anymore.
And to be in this situation at just 38 years old! It really gives you a sense of the strength of China right now.
I think this is probably what Japan was like 30 years ago.
However, even if the historical background were the same as in Japan 30 years ago,
To begin with, the population is 10 times larger. If you think about it, it would be about 100 times larger than Japan today.
I think it would not be an exaggeration to say that there is a construction boom.
However, it seems that large-scale construction is already approaching saturation point in Shanghai.
However, there seem to be many towns inland that are set to undergo development in the future.
Architects who are fascinated by large buildings move to a place that is growing with the times.
If they don't move, they can't continue working. This is a burden they have to bear.
It's like fate.
When I talked to them, I found that not only inland areas, but also in Vietnam,
It seems that they are focusing on areas where the economy is developing.
However, I was shown a presentation not of Mr. Azuma's architecture but of his business.
As expected... Mr. Higashi is from Plantec, a very famous company in large-scale commercial construction.
Speaking of Mr. Oe of Plantec, he is one of the architects who is strong in business.
He is famous as an architect. As expected of his disciple, the presentation was typical.
The architect's gift was quite different.
If you work for a large company, you read the Nikkei newspaper and business books.
I think it is natural. However, there are many people who work in design offices and have this habit.
I think there are very few people who are.
When I see someone smoothly come up with a SWOT analysis during a presentation,
I really felt that it was Plantec's product after all.
However... Mr. Sako is also amazing, but he went abroad alone to hone his skills.
Starting a company and accomplishing big things... That vitality is extraordinary.
As someone in the same industry, I know all too well that this is not the case.
To be frank, each and every one of us is a "continent of passion."
This is clear when you meet and talk to him. Even 35-year-old Igarashi-san is just as popular as the average Japanese man.
He has an aura on a different level than a 35-year-old.
I can't let myself lose. I feel like I've been given some really good inspiration.