Week2 Reflection

It’s not easy to simultaneously preserve and utilize cultural properties. Approaches must be developed that suit the characteristics of artworks and the environment where they are placed.

In Week 2, we described efforts to preserve, restore, and use the Ex-Noguchi Room, an architectural cultural property at Keio University. We noted that, to ensure preservation, we share information on artistic works at the university through collaboration between the university’s faculty and the Art Center, and to protect pieces, we rely on specialists to carry out preservation/restoration measures and periodic maintenance. We learned about topics like the proper mindset and handling of furniture when using the Ex-Noguchi Room. Regarding utilization, we looked at various examples of use and awareness-raising within the university, such as workshops for students, architecture tours for people inside and outside the university, cooperation with exhibitions, and modern art performances.

We will be thrilled if the material you’ve learned this week inspires you to treat cultural properties with greater care, and keep them in good condition for the long term. The ideas you have shared should also be useful beyond the Ex-Noguchi Room, as valuable hints for managing architectural cultural properties at universities while balancing preservation and use.