Japanese American Exchange

JAPANESE AMERICAN EXCHANGE
Kari Haukedahl - University of Minnesota

This thesis explores the integration of Japanese and American design principles. I am proposing a series of Japanese-American art pavilions in Como Park as a vehicle for Japanese-American Exchange in design.

This entire project was strongly influenced by the Saint Paul and Nagasaki Sister City relationship, which was implemented in 1955 to promote a peaceful relationship between the United States and Japan. My site in Como Park, Saint Paul, has become an area dedicated to the promotion of this relationship.

Many people are unaware of the Sister City relationship, and in particular, its development in Como Park (the Tea Garden, Tea House, Bonsai Gallery, Lantern Lighting Festival, etc). This project is an opportunity to make the relationship more public in a hybridized way (in other words, not just Japanese or just American). This design proposal attempts to call to attention the progressive change in the relationship between JapanUnited States. The gallery spaces use specific light/dark and material qualities inspired by Japanese design principles to address through sensation and perception immersion in traditional culture, the conflict of World War II, and the convergence of the two cultures in a peaceful relationship. By designing with particular Eastern sensibilities, this project explores the way that architectural design can narrow the gap between Japanese­ and American cultures and simultaneously create contemplative space for the viewing of art. and the