The other day, I visited Shibui Spa at the Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca, one of my lighting projects completed more than 15 years ago. While I usually write about Japanese seasonal stories, and arts & crafts, today I would like to share a story behind the project with you.
Some of you may know that I used to work as a lighting designer. Although it has been quite a while since my last visit, the spa seems not dated at all, but it has a timeless beauty.
As the name suggests, Shibui Spa is designed in a Japanese style. Upon entering, you are embraced by wood, water, and stone, reflecting traditional Japanese culture’s simplicity and reverence for nature.
This hotel is owned by Robert De Niro, who has a deep appreciation for Japanese culture. Unfortunately, I did not have the chance to meet him, but I heard from the Japanese carpenters I worked with on the project. They told me, "De Niro fell in love at first sight with the 250-year-old charcoal beams and invited us from Saga Prefecture for two weeks to assemble the pillars and beams surrounding the pool."
As expected from De Niro, he has a great aesthetic sense and a remarkable vision. I think he understands that true Japanese beauty cannot be replicated without the hands of skilled craftsmen.
The wall above the lighting is decorated with washi paper made using traditional techniques with a history of 500 years. It was very expensive, but the result was worth it.
The bamboo basket pendants at the lounge were crafted by bamboo artisans in Beppu, Oita Prefecture. Interestingly, many years later, I met these craftsmen at a Japan Society event where they demonstrated how to create a large bamboo basket on stage.
The softness of materials like washi paper and wood creates a calm and warm atmosphere. This space perfectly balances traditional and modern elements, and nature with the city. This is very New York to me.
Unfortunately, in Japan today, people have lost interest in traditional Japanese culture, which requires a lot of time and money. As a result, skilled craftsmen are disappearing one after another. With fewer successors, these wonderful techniques are sadly being lost.
In today's society, many people want things that are quick and easy, but there is a reason behind something beautiful and expensive. So I would like to continue sharing the stories behind the scenes so that people appreciate the value of these skills. And today, as I write this, I'm thinking about what I can do to ensure that this technique is passed down.