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Old is New: Architectural Works by New Material Research Laboratory
By Hiroshi Sugimoto & Tomoyuki Sakakida
Old is New documents the impressive body of work by New Material Research Laboratory over the past 13 years.
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“The oldest things are the newest” – this paradoxical idea is present throughout the oeuvre of contemporary Japanese artist and photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto. In 2008, Sugimoto and the architect Tomoyuki Sakakida founded the New Material Research Laboratory, an architectural firm that researches and develops “new materials” from known materials and techniques by applying a different approach and interpretation. The Laboratory’s aim is to rethink the use of old materials passed on to us from ancient times, the Middle Ages and the modern period. It advocates for a reconnection of the present with a bygone era, and to extend that connection to the future through architecture.
Old Is New delves into the art and architecture, as well as the archaeological philosophy and contemporary practice, of the New Material Research Laboratory. Richly illustrated, the book shows the choice of materials for each project. The photographs in itself are compositions, presenting scenes that show a balance of the present and past. Sugimoto and Sakakida, discussing their practice and approach, wrote the principal texts of this volume. Additional text contributions delve into the origin of the laboratory’s design ethos rooted in Japanese tradition and aesthetics and their historical context. The book also includes an annotated index of materials and classical Japanese techniques with information drawn from the laboratory’s research.
“Nothing short of an architectural manifesto — a new take on architecture in Japan and a potential way forward for architecture everywhere.”
– worldarchitects.com
“A mandatory addition to any library.”
– daniellaondesign
“Carefully composed and controlled environments crafted from natural materials.”
– archidose
Hiroshi Sugimoto was born in Tokyo in 1948. After graduating from Saint Paul’s University, he moved to the United States and started his career with photography in New York in 1974. Sugimoto has received international recognition as a photographic artist through his solid technique and clear concept seen in series such as “Seascapes” and “Theaters”, and his works are collected by major art museums worldwide. In recent years he has expanded his field of activity to literary and architectural work. In 2008, he founded New Material Research Laboratory together with the architect Tomoyuki Sakakida. Sugimoto’s works have won many awards, including the Mainichi Art Prize in 1988, the Hasselblad Foundation International Award in Photography in 2001, and the 21st Praemium Imperiale in 2009 and Isamu Noguchi Award in 2014.
Tomoyuki Sakakida was born in Shiga in 1976. He studied architecture at the Kyoto Institute of Technology and worked for Nihon Sekkei Inc. before establishing his own practice, Tomoyuki Sakakida Architect and Associates, in 2003. In parallel with running the practice, he worked for Waro Kishi + K. Associates / EX from 2003 to 2006. In 2008 Sakakida founded New Material Research Laboratory with Hiroshi Sugimoto, and since 2013 Sakakida is the director. He is currently teaching at the Kyoto University of Art and Design. Sakakida won the 28th BELCA Award in 2019.
Lars Müller Publishers
Lars Müller Publishers, a renowned publishing house based in Zurich, Switzerland, has become a leading name in the world of architecture, design, photography, and contemporary art publications. Founded in 1983 by Lars Müller, a graphic designer with a deep passion for books, the publishing house is known for its carefully curated, visually compelling works that explore the intersections of art, design, and society.
Müller’s journey into publishing began with a desire to create books that were not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful. Born in Oslo in 1955, Müller moved to Switzerland in 1963, where he trained as a graphic designer in Zurich. His early career took him to Amsterdam, where he worked alongside the legendary designer Wim Crouwel. Inspired by his mentor and influenced by his experiences, Müller founded his own studio, Integral Lars Müller, in 1982. A year later, he published his first book, marking the beginning of Lars Müller Publishers.
Since its inception, the publishing house has produced over 600 titles, reflecting Müller’s personal interests and his commitment to high-quality content. “I despise well-designed books with weak content,” Müller explains, emphasising his focus on books that combine strong visual elements with substantive, thought-provoking material. His dedication to both form and content has earned the publishing house international recognition.
Lars Müller Publishers is unique in its approach, acting as a ‘school of seeing’ by offering a curated selection of books that distill the overwhelming visual world around us. Müller’s triple role as publisher, editor, and designer allows him to shape each book from its initial concept to its final production, ensuring a cohesive and thoughtful presentation. This hands-on approach, coupled with Müller’s insistence on working closely with authors and artists, has helped establish the publishing house as a leader in independent publishing.
Despite the challenges of the book industry, Lars Müller Publishers has thrived by adhering to Müller’s guiding principles: producing books with enduring value, focusing on topics that personally interest him, and maintaining a small, independent operation. The publishing house is supported by the Swiss Federal Office for Culture, which recognises its contribution to Switzerland’s cultural landscape.
Müller’s impact extends beyond publishing. As an educator, he has taught at universities across Europe, the USA, and Japan, sharing his expertise and passion for design. His influence is also felt through his participation in academic and design juries, including his role as international president of the Alliance Graphique Internationale from 2013 to 2015.
Today, Lars Müller Publishers continues to push the boundaries of visual and intellectual publishing, presenting works that not only document historical developments but also engage with contemporary phenomena. Through its publications, the house remains dedicated to carrying Swiss culture out into the world while bringing global perspectives into Switzerland.
As the publishing house approaches its 44th anniversary in 2027, Müller reflects on the journey with a sense of pride and anticipation. “I look forward to celebrating the four decades of independent publishing,” he says, “and continuing to draw attention to the work we do, sharing it with a discerning and appreciative audience.“
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