Last year I was approached by Chinese design media platform, Yinjispace to document their tour in Cape Town. Being predominantly an architectural and interior photographer, the request seemed a bit strange at first, as event photography wasn’t necessarily my line of work. Soon I found out that the tour would be co-hosted by architecture firm SAOTA and would encompass a range of masterclasses with esteemed designers and architects, visits to the best SAOTA projects and first hand experiences with local artisans and fine artists represented by Southern Guild. The experience was so enriching and inspiring that the photos I took were so different to my normal style of photography, but also refreshing and new.
Earlier this year the group invited me to join them in Belgium and embark on a design tour travelling north through the quaint flemish cities and towns. We were guided by acclaimed Belgian architect, Glenn Sestig to visit some of his projects and learn about his process. We visited the Brachot stone factory and POTIER STONE to learn about the different types of stone manufacturing processes. And we took in the design of esteemed interior designer Frederic Kielemoes. These are amongst the few things we did on the tour with the added highlight of eating at some of the best Michelin guide restaurants in Belgium.
Yinjispace’s InTour programs looks at connecting designers, architects and industry giants through global exploration and inspiration from fellow artisans and creatives. They are hosting a Japan tour later this year and have just recently launched the itinerary and tour outline. It is open to South Africans and are currently in need for 10 sign ups to proceed with this trip (This tour is limited to 15 people only). I believe this is a unique opportunity for South African individuals in the fields of Architecture, Design and Landscape Design to enrich their minds and broaden their practices with first hand experiences from other Japanese art, design and architecture experts.
Currently the Date for tour is still to be finalised and the tour’s cost is +/- $5800 per person (R110 000). This is for the total 7 days with fees included being; accommodation, meals, Translator & Transportation from OSAKA to Tokyo in Japan. The tour fee does not include international flight and Visa and 2 people will share one room (all the more reason to make friends with fellow industry greats).
This study tour is targeting senior-level designers, design business owners/directors, or heads of institutions. More info on the tour can be found here: https://www.yinjispace.com/yintour/japan02.html#y02
From this link you can see the designers and architects that the tour will be visiting.
Meals included are also at acclaimed Japanese restaurants, so beyond architecture and design, the tour is also an opportunity to absorb the culture of Japan.
As a proclaimed Japanophile and from the experience of someone that has attended 2 tours already – I can whole heartedly say that this is an incredible experience and I truly believe that many architects and designers will enrich their practices with an academic and cultural tour of this calibre.
For more info and interest in the tour, please contact: mia@yinjispace.com
