#30 April 27, 2020

I am staying still in one place for what really seems to be the first time in my life. But that does not mean that I am just sitting at my desk. I am continuing to walk. I have realized that the act of walking creates a rhythm for my body and stimulates me, expanding the horizons of my thoughts. On the other hand, I am still connected with the world by means of frequent video conferences. I have talked extensively over the last few years about the importance of compact cities and walkable cities, but I did not think that I would have the opportunity to experience for myself this new way of living by using my body in this manner.
　
I have talked about the need for open architecture for a long time. The theme for the two books that I recently published (Human Dwellings [Shinchosha Publishing] and Point and Line to Plane [Iwanami Shoten, Publishers]) consisted of dismantling the closed in space of concrete structures and creating open and airy space. That is why the theme of openness has been close to my heart. The word environment was used to explain this, but I now feel that the word health is more appropriate. I have been taught about the happiness of walking and having the wind in my face, basking in the sun and feeling the earth in this manner. The theme for the National Stadium and Takanawa Gateway Station which were recently completed was openness as well.

The deep eaves, louvers and large membrane roof made this possible. I feel that the postponement of the Olympics for one year is sending a message that people should wake up to and perceive the “happiness of openness”. Once people wake up to this fact, it will be time to gather and celebrate. I think that this period of one year should be used to learn about this new type of happiness.