Yesterday, we went to Moerenuma Park in the north of Sapporo. The park was designed by Isamu Naguchi and is an inspiring transformation of a landfill site. It took almost 20 years to come to fruition, from initial concept designs in 1977 to the grand opening in 2005. Noguchi died before construction began in 1988 (aged 84 years) but his designs were carried out as instructed. Unlike the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona which has been mucked about with by too many others since Gaudi’s death, this place has the stamp of one artist’s vision.
It’s a really tranquil place and whilst obviously popular with visitors, there is so much space it is open and airy. The land has been sculpted into a range of planes, hillocks and pyramids, also echoed in sculptural works and architecture. This all sounds very grown up, but within the design are boating lakes, paddling ponds and shady woods. Quite a transformation from it’s original state.
This project was made possible through the generous support of Wales Arts International, The Arts Council of Wales and Sapporo Tenjinyama Art Studio.
Heather Parnell 