Morikami Museum
& Japanese Gardens
26°25'43.1"N 80°09'21.9"W
Delray Beach, FL 33446 – United States
Project Type: Museum & Archery Center
Focus: Human Centered Design
PROJECT STATEMENT
The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is a center for Japanese arts and culture located west of Delray Beach in Palm Beach County, Florida. The campus includes museum buildings, gardens: Garden of the Drops of Dew, a bonsai garden, & a Japanese restaurant: Cornell Cafe. The gardens are infused throughout the campus to further emphasize the importance of nature in Japanese culture. The style of these beautiful gardens was influenced by the Zen concept: the imitation of the intimate essence of nature, and to serve as an aid to meditation about the true meaning of life.
RESEARCH
CLIMATE
Delray Beach, FL is categorized to have a subtropical climate.
Throughout the months of May - October the temperature is typically hot and humid. The high ranges between 86-92˚F and the low between 72-81˚F.
Throughout the months of December-March temperature is cooler and Delray Beach experiences a very mild winter with the high ranging between 65-82˚F.
Delray’s transitional months are typically November, March and April. The transitional weather is mainly dry and warm with temperatures ranging between 55-85˚F.
“WAY OF THE BOW”
Is Kyudo defined. It is a physical and spiritual discipline. The archers primary aim is not to hit the target but to achieve an intense concentration on the act of shooting, through spiritual and physical training, thus expressing perfect serenity.
FOUNDATION
TRUTH: Shooting that is meant to be pure and right minded. Attitude, movement & technique are unified through years of strenuous discipline to perform in harmony.
GOODNESS: To posses qualities such as courtesy, compassion, morality & non-aggression; the display of proper attitude and behavior.
BEAUTY: Enhances life & is a stimulant to the spirit; also found in the elegance of the traditional archers attire.
DESIGN INTENT
Incorporate exterior, in interior spaces
Outdoor treatments included in shooting arena
Green walls to help improve indoor air quality and aesthetic potential
Natural daylight to help with lighting and energy efficiency
CONCEPT A
Common in traditional Asian architecture, the roof is designed to be the most visually appealing component. In this sketch I wanted to honor that, as well as give it a sense of continuity. I did so by partially enclosing the arena, so that it is the main viewing feature to the eye of the people.
CONCEPT B
Inspired by the fluidity and principle of the yin and yang, I was urged to create something that visually resembled the ancient concept. Programmatically speaking, the configuration of spaces could successfully display the unity and interconnection of the complimentary forces.
FINAL CONCEPT
Lastly, I combined the previous concepts, so that they could become one. I thought this was of importance, as my inspiration for the philosophy behind my design was the yin and yang. I wanted to visually express how two such dynamic forms could be altered, to resemble order.
LEVEL ONE
The first level of my building features a grand entrance with a circular staircase that leads you to the second level. Beyond the stair case you will find the lobby area, and spacious bathrooms that are open to the public. As you continue through the building you will find sunken gallery space, and at the end of the wing of the building you will find an indoor yin and yang inspired zen garden. The differentiation of the levels were implemented to further portray the way of Japanese architecture & design. The levels identify a hierarchy of space throughout the building.
The purpose of the zen garden at the end of the wing (area 3) is to enhance circulation and inspire meditation. The zen garden is complete with rippled sand, a bonsai tree and rocks to sit on. The rocks are essential to the design, so that the one who meditates can feel as one within the natural environment.
Area 4 was designed to be a private space for the archers. It is complete with dressing rooms, spacious bathrooms and a kitchenette. The archers also have their own entrance to the arena that is visible to viewers.
Observational space is vital to the design. I wanted to create a space that was connected to the archers but also remained separate. This is a vital part of the design process, so that the archers remain focused and perform in harmony.
The archers space is sheltered, but open to the natural environment. Nature s deeply rooted in Asian culture, it was vital that I kept this mindset throughout the entirety of the design process.
LEVEL TWO
The upper foyer (area 7) is open to overlooking Level 1. On this level you will find a beautiful view looking out and over the stairs onto the waterfall at the front entrance and views of the water adjacent to the site.
Areas 8, 9, and 10 are office spaces. Areas 10 and 11 overlook the green roofs. The green roofs were incorporated into the design for aesthetic and environmental purposes.
RENDERS
ABSTRACT SITE MODEL
