Consideration of the former Gen-ichi Toyama Residence (Toyama Memorial Museum) Garden with regards to the design features and the intrinsic value as a cultural property

Abstract

This paper researches the former Gen-ichi Toyama Residence (Toyama Memorial Museum) Garden to define the composition, design and materials and discuss its value as a cultural property. The main discussion points are as follows; (1) Formality and Tradition: The garden has the family shrine in the north-east corner (Kimon), and the family cemetery in the south-west corner (Ura-kimon). The buildings were positioned around the northern area like flying gees (Gankougata), the main garden was designed in the southern area. (2) Totality of the composition: the garden has 6 areas, and they were positioned with buildings harmoniously. The composition has a spatial unity, physically and visually. (3) Modernity and sophistication: We can see general modern garden style features in the wide lawns and the curving streams. Additionally, the techniques of step stones in the stream, shore stones and artificial stone objects are sophisticated. (4) Continuance from the Showa period to the present: The sculptures and a museum from the late 20th century were located in the garden, the original garden form was kept well. These were the elements also seen in as the Toyama memorial museum garden. We can follow the history of the garden from the physical aspects.