Throughout the later part of July and during the month of August, JCC held two presentations for the Architectural Exchange Project between six students from the National University of Singapore (NUS) as well as six from Japan. This Architectural Exchange Project was initiated by the Japan Foundation Asia Center. This project was done through the co-operation of renowned Universities and various architectural organizations from both countries.
From Singapore; DEG Architects, DP Architects, Liu & Wo Architects, Singapore Institute of Architects and the National University of Singapore worked with JCC for this project. Whilst from Japan; Mitsubishi Jisho Sekkei, Nikken Sekkei, NTT Facilities, Kansai University and Kyoto Institute of Technology worked with JCC to realize this project.
This Architectural Exchange Project began in the month of June and is ongoing until the mid of October. During the last week of June the six undergraduate students majoring in Architecture from NUS, went to Tokyo, Japan for an internship for two weeks. This was followed by a further two weeks of survey of the Machiya in Kyoto, Japan. The word Machiya refers to the traditional wooden houses found in areas such as Kyoto. Machiya can also mean “town houses”. On the other hand in Singapore, not all shop houses were used as shops. A substantial number were actually used as homes and many would debate that using the term “town houses” would be more appropriate instead.
From this aspect we see the similarities between machiya and Singapore’s “shop houses”. These two early architectural models were chosen as the focus of the project to give students from both countries an opportunity to study their conservation efforts. Students were also able to learn how these traditional buildings have conformed to urban lifestyles and how they coexist with contemporary structures around them.
Through this project, the students can gain an in depth understanding on the urban residential model and utilize their findings and knowledge for future designs. In many Asian countries where urbanization and the fast paced progression are seen as concerns, the comparisons between machiya and “shop houses” will provide an opportunity for the next generation to contemplate over this matter. The exhibition of their outcomes will be held from 1st October till 9th October at JCC.
 
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