Chinese design media platform Yinjispace’s InTour programs connect designers, architects and industry giants through global exploration and inspiration from fellow artisans and creatives.

Last year, Yinjispace hosted a tour in Cape Town co-hosted by architecture firm SAOTA, which encompassed a range of masterclasses with esteemed local designers and architects, visits to SAOTA projects and first hand experiences with local artisans and fine artists represented by Southern Guild.

Earlier this year the group hosted another design tour travelling north through Flemish cities and towns guided by acclaimed Belgian architect, Glenn Sestig to visit some of his projects and learn about his process. Attendees visited the Brachot stone factory and POTIER STONE and took in the design of esteemed interior designer Frederic Kielemoes.

Later this year, they are hosting a tour to Japan and have recently launched the itinerary and tour outline. It is open to South Africans and are currently in need for 10 sign ups to proceed with this trip. (This tour is limited to 15 people only).

“I believe this is a unique opportunity for South African individuals in the fields of architecture, design and landscape design to enrich their minds and broaden their practices with first hand experiences from Japanese art, design and architecture experts,” says architecture photographer Paris Brummer, who documented Yinjispace’s tours in Cape Town and Belgium.

The 7-day tour takes place from October 30th to November 5th with fees including accommodation, meals, translator and transportation from Osaka to Tokyo in Japan.

The core purpose of this itinerary is to emphasise locality, practical significance and a pertinent involvement in the cognitive understanding of “感同身受” (empathy). From Osaka to Tokyo, the focus is on six Japanese design firms. Through their design strategies that consider site, history, environment, contemporary aesthetics, and spatial functionality, the aim is to delve into the logical thinking and social significance behind their works.

This study tour is aimed at senior-level designers, design business owners/directors, or heads of institutions. More info on the tour can be found here.  

“As a proclaimed Japanophile, and from the experience of someone that has attended two tours already, I can whole heartedly say that this is an incredible experience and I truly believe that many architects and designers will enrich their practices with an academic and cultural tour of this calibre,” says Brummer.  

For more information, contact: mia@yinjispace.com