DISTRIBUTION AND DESIGN CHARACTER OF COMPONENT BUILDINGS IN STREETSCAPE OF KAGAI

－ A case of Furumachi in Niigata City －

Abstract

 1. Background and Purpose

 Kagai collectively inherit many aspect of traditional Japanese culture, from architecture to music and cuisine both tangible and intangible. In the past, Kagai were ubiquitous throughout Japan. Today, the number of active Kagai is about 50. Furumachi Kagai is a significant area, because the historic district, which is different from those in Kyoto or Kanazawa, is remained. Most traditional Kagai in comparatively large cities were lost by air raids in the Second World War. First, this study aims to clarify distribution of historic buildings, Kagai buildings, former Kagai buildings, and multi-tenant buildings in Furumachi Kagai. Second, this study aims to clarify design character and detailing regarding historic buildings in terms of difference between Kagai building and non Kagai building. This is to prepare a basic date for expected district designation and establishment of a design guideline.

 

 2. Overview of Furumachi Kagai and research methods

 Niigata was originally established as a port-town and rebuilt on the present site in 1655. Furumachi is located in the center of Niigata. Furumachi Kagai was formed on Furumachi-dori, 8 bancho and 9 bancho in Middle Meiji period. Furumachi Kagai contains 13 ryoriya and 27 geisha in 2018. The study conducts fieldwork, documentary records research, and interviews with various personnel including the landlady of ryoriya and geisha in Furumachi Kagai.

 

 3. Conclusions

 1) 84 / 244 (34%) buildings are estimated to be historic buildings in the central part of Furumachi Kagai. Mostly remaining area is the area along 9 bancho side of Higashi-shinmichi (Eastern new street). On the other hand, this area is fewer than any other area in problem on streetscape. In addition, it is relatively easy to build consensus among residents on streetscape improvement in the area. From the above, the area along 9 bancho side of Higashi-shinmichi is considered to preferentially introduce zoning of the streetscape.

 2) Regarding the design character of historic buildings, all non Kagai buildings are Machiya location and no front garden. On the other hand, some Kagai buildings and former Kagai buildings are quasi Machiya Type and Yashiki location with a front garden. In addition, almost half of ryoriya buildings have a front garden as entrance approach, there are different from machiya in old Niigata town in the light of appearance. On the other hand, most of okiya buildings are similar to machiya, and a few okiya buildings have a front garden on the entrance side.

 3) Regarding the detailing of historic buildings, building with a detailing often used to sukiya style account for about 40 %. Most of these buildings are Kagai building or former Kagai building. Moreover, detailing often used to sukiya style is assumed to be characteristic design in all businesses related to Kagai.