The JH delegation visited the Kitano area in Kobe in the wake of relations between Japan and Western countries between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries

In the context of the July mission to Kyoto for the inauguration of the Japanese headquarters of the Polito Japan Hub, the Rector and a group of teachers from the JH Board started a collaboration agreement with the Kobe Design University (KDU). During the visit, together with representatives of the University and the city of Kobe, the delegation visited the hilly area of Kitano, of particular historical-cultural and landscape interest due to the presence of numerous architectures created between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries by the international community dedicated to trade between the West and Japan.

These buildings are made with traditional wood or masonry techniques but in European styles, which constitute an unexpected testimony of the long-term cultural and economic relations and exchanges between Japan and Western countries. Some of these homes, which still contain interesting evidence of the life and material culture of the foreign community present in Kobe between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, are currently being reconverted and looking for a new use, not only residential but also potentially referring to social and cultural uses for the benefit of the local community.

In particular, the members of the Japan Hub, accompanied by colleagues from the Kobe Design University and the architect Torrini, Alumni of Politecnico di Torino who is now supervising its restoration, visited the
Thorsen house, one of the buildings of most significant interest. As part of the Japan Hub, a possible contribution from Politecnico is now being explored with local actors, using the university's expertise in analyzing and conserving historical architecture, cityscape planning, and innovative valorisation of cultural heritage.


Text by Mauro Volpiano
#Japan Hub