On assuming the posts in 2006, we were surprised to know the fact that even though the "Noguchi Room Archive" had already launched in 1998, it did not act as deterrence to prevent the demolition. There was a plan for renovation on a large scale to commemorate Keio’s 150th anniversary in 2008. We thought buildings destined to be demolished must be recorded, and launched "The Architecture of Keio University" project. Our aim was not to oppose the pull-down, but to record all architectures in the school (such as photos and drawings) and let people know correctly what kind of architectures they are.

Many people spend their time at school. Building is not a mere box, but a place, in which each single person experience something and create memories. It is, so to speak, “A Device for Memories." We are attempting to collect not only photos of architectures themselves, but also "User-Minded" records that recall memories of those who once lived with the building. For this purpose, we always try to interview people before shooting. Sometimes, we wonder why one needed to recommend such a place as shooting location. But it is the sight that evokes a certain feeling in one's mind; something special had happened before, or try-and-error had repeated by everyone to improve usability. We also record views from the building, like courtyard with a large gingko nuts seen from a corridor where used to be a smoking area and crowded by students waiting for next lessons.

Without raising potential awareness of architecture, it is difficult to address preservation. Thus, for our present school building, we hold exhibitions, tours and sometimes prepare material with architectural comments to heighten literacy of its users: students, teachers and officials. The other day, we held an architectural event, open to the public for the first time. By continue holding this event, we hope it becomes the foundation for our students to nurture their own architectural viewpoints and keep being concerned about their school buildings in the future.