Japan trip inspires artwork by CAAD students

An exhibition of work done by students from the College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) at American University of Sharjah (AUS) as part of the college’s first Summer Study Abroad Program in Japan is currently on display in the CAAD atrium.

The wonderful display comprises videos, photographs, drawings, sketches and artifacts installed in individual panels representing the experience of each student who participated in the program and their interpretation of Japanese culture and traditions.

Fifteen students from CAAD participated in the 21-day program, which was led by Dr. Igor Peraza, Professor of Practice at CAAD, and focused on how history and culture influence contemporary architecture and urbanism in Japan. To gain a broader understanding and experience, the students visited a number of cities, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and Hiroshima.

They attended lectures at Tokyo University and visited high-profile architectural practices in Japan, such as the Arata Isozaki Atelier in Tokyo. The program also included visits to traditional buildings such as Katsura Palace in Kyoto, as well as contemporary ones such as the Museum for the 21st Century designed by SANAA.

Commenting on the experience, Maral Berenjian, a fourth-year student in CAAD, said:

“Having traveled extensively throughout Japan for 21 days, we developed a close and wonderful relationship with the country’s culture and its people. We saw and learned from both historic and modern architecture. The course gave us the opportunity to broaden our perspective of design.”

Basil Al Taher, another fourth-year CAAD student, said:

“Culture was the most important aspect of the trip for me. It was great to be immersed in the distinct culture of the different cities we visited because each city was so unique in terms of its society and ambience.”

Dr. Peraza, who spent nine years in Japan and obtained his master’s and PhD degrees there, said:

“It was a great experience for me to share my knowledge about the country and Japanese culture with the students. The exhibition currently on display featuring their work shows that they benefitted greatly from the program. I am pleased to share the news that the Summer Study Abroad Program in Japan for 2018 has been announced, and we look forward to welcoming students to that.”

The exhibition will be on view until December 5, 2017.