The Mountain Plaza
 | |
| Location | Mihama, Aichi Prefecture, Japan |
|---|---|
| Construction | |
| Opened | 2016 |
| Architect | Elgueda Ward Studio |
| Website | |
| www | |
The Mountain Plaza Ceramic Amphitheater Art Center (山の広場) is a ceramic installation and open-air theater located in Mihama, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.[1][2]
Planning
[edit]The foundation of The Mountain Plaza was laid in 2000 by two artists, Ximena Elgueda from Latin America and Steven Ward from the United States.[3][1][4] Both artists migrated to Japan in the 1990s to study ceramics.[1][5] They met in Shiga Prefecture in 1996 and later delved into the collaboration of ceramic sculptures and language teaching in Japan.[1][4] In 1999, Ximena Elgueda and Steven Ward were both honored with the Tokoname Honours of Cultural Merit awards.[3] Between 2005 and 2006, they served as chief editors for a Cultural Guide to the city of Tokoname.[3]
Two notable experiences influenced Elgueda and Ward's approach to public art.[3] In January 2000, they visited the stone amphitheater at Parque la Llovizna in Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela.[3] The following month, they observed a hollowed-out old-growth tree in Phoenix Lake, Marin County, California.[3] From these visits, they considered the idea of creating public spaces using ceramics, aiming to transcend traditional ceramic boundaries. In 2000, they attended an open-air concert in Mihama's mountains.[1] Observing the event, Elgueda and Ward considered developing a community space using ceramics.[1] Consequently, in 2000, they proposed The Mountain Plaza project to Tsuyoshi Sugiura, an organic rice farmer near Tokoname, who graciously allowed them to construct a 60-tonne ceramic acoustic wall on his land.[3]
Construction
[edit]
Though the construction was initially estimated to span three years, it faced multiple challenges.[1] The creation of the acoustic shell, measuring 3.5m x 7.4m x 6m, took 2½ years.[1] During its development, approximately 2,000 local volunteers offered intermittent assistance.[1][3] Bricks sourced from a pipe company in Taketoyo were used to encase the shell, a task complicated by the bricks' 28 kg weight.[1]
In 2012, Elgueda and Ward moved from Tokoname to Mihama to focus on the project.[1]
By August 2014, a kiln consisting of 200 tons of bricks was built around the shell and fired for 40 days, reaching a temperature of 1200 C.[1] The kiln was dismantled by 2015, and the bricks were used to create the seating for the amphitheater.[1]
In October 2016, The Mountain Plaza was officially completed.[6] Since its completion, the space has hosted various international events, including those related to music, art, nature, and design. The venue operates on a non-profit basis.[6]
Finished layout
[edit]
The Mountain Plaza consists of two main parts: the stage and the audience seating.[6] The stage's soundboard is made from approximately 60 tons of fired clay.[6][3] Its dimensions are 3.6m high, 7.5m wide, 13m long, and 4.8m deep.[6]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Aichi mountains provide dramatic setting for terra-cotta amphitheater". The Japan Times. September 19, 2014.
- ^ "Kyoto Journal Digital Issue 81". Kyoto Journal.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Communally-made high-fired architecture: Jon Davies writes on Ximena Elgueda and Steven Ward's large-scale ceramic installations. - Free Online Library". The Free Library.
- ^ a b "ヒメナ・エレゲダ／スティーブン・ウォード – TEDxAnjo". April 16, 2022.
- ^ "Communally-made High-fired Architecture | Ceramics Technical". informit.org.
- ^ a b c d e "The Mountain Plaza / 山の広場 Ceramic Amphitheater Art Center is an international site in rural Japan". Yamanohiroba.