Inside the Japanese House: Part i

Tuesday, September 12th, 2023

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM EDT

About the Event:

The Japan Society of Boston is proud to present, Inside the Japanese House, a three part series exploring traditional Japanese homes through the lens of Architecture, Culture, and Handcraft. The series will be hosted by Adam Zgola, a carpenter specialized in traditional Japanese wooden construction with over two decades of experience in Japan. 

Part I will delve into Adam’s early experiences as an apprentice craftsman in Japan. We will discuss the opportunities and challenges of a Japanese apprenticeship; a process that results in a unique insight in the importance of tradition in handcraft and the responsibilities of craftsmen in the context of culture and society.

In Part I, Adam will discuss and show several real life projects while sharing how these experiences shaped and defined his views on craft and architecture. 

Stay tuned for Part II and III of the series to be held in October and November of 2023. The continuation of Inside the Japanese House will cover topics including but not limited to Japanese house styles, history and changes over time, Japanese handcraft tradition, and sustainability within the industry. 

Registration and information for Part II and Part III.

Please join us for this very special one-of-a-kind seminar series. This is a free, hour long presentation with Q&A hosted on zoom. 

About The Speaker:

Adam Zgola specializes in Japanese wooden construction. Trained as a craftsman through a Japanese apprenticeship, his understanding of traditional architecture benefits from an access to generations of accumulated wisdom. Having spent 21 years studying and building in Japan, Adam is sensitive to the cultural and environmental influences that shaped this iconic architecture.

He is active in the protection of historical buildings through restoration efforts and educational programs. As well, Adam is committed to maintaining the relevance of traditional skills and methods by applying them successfully in a modern context.

As a philosophy, he feels that it is important to return to the idea of the house as handcraft; a more sustainable and holistic understanding which fosters a deeper connections with the spaces in which we live, grow, and raise our families.

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