A Melody of Shadows: The Architecture of Hitoshi Saruta

A Melody of Shadows The architectural sensibility of Hitoshi Saruta is truly mysterious. He favors large solid masses such as concrete, natural stone, and steel plating and uses an abundance of "black" both inside and outside his buildings. It is easy to imagine solemn, heavy spaces where nothing else can easily exist. However, Saruta's spaces are unexpectedly full of grace and light, which elevate the quality of the architecture. The fact that his universally appealing designs attract significant interest, regardless of geographical location or culture, is proven by the incessant inquiries he receives from around the world. Perhaps the most critical reason for Saruta's success is that he is recognized not just as an architect but also as an artist with an outstanding talent: his mastery of shadows. The carefully calculated weaving of light and shadow creates an illusory experience of being inside a painting. In a space full of such inspiration, one may find oneself immersed in an idyllic world resembling the delicate echoes of classical music. When clients glance out the window with each change of season, they perceive the landscape, trees, and shrubbery as an integral part of the design, and secretly relish the luxurious gift from the architect. When the intrinsic value of his profoundly thoughtful work, which neither blueprints nor computer graphics can measure, is appreciated, the true meaning of Hitoshi Saruta's architecture is revealed. Tomotaka UTSUMI Founder, JIAC [Japan International Architectural design Center]