Utilization of cultural properties

In the Steps so far, we’ve learned about preservation/restoration measures and precautions for use. A cultural property can be actively used if preservation measures are taken, and people follow precautions during use. Cultural properties cannot exhibit their value if they’re just stowed away where no one can see them. It’s only when a cultural property is seen and used that its intrinsic value can truly shine. Also, a property’s value is shared through use, and greater appreciation of value leads to greater efforts to preserve the property. Architectural cultural properties are very different from other cultural properties due to their functionality, with people going inside and spending time there.

Therefore, when using such properties, it is crucial to experience them by actually going inside and not just looking at them from the outside. Spending time in an architecture creates a memory of the experience, and this will likely inspire feelings of wanting the architecture to continue existing. We are trying to promote various uses of the Ex-Noguchi Room so people can come to know and experience its space.

From this point on, we will describe activities connected with the exhibition: a workshop for students, an architectural tour to improve architectural literacy of people on and off campus, and examples of use, such as lending to exhibitions at other museums and institutions. We would be thrilled if these examples stimulate your thinking about possibilities for awareness-raising in a university setting.