SEI’ICHI SHIRAI Heidelberg – FÉLIX GUATTARI Tokyo | Joint Research Seminar

“SEI’ICHI SHIRAI Heidelberg – FÉLIX GUATTARI Tokyo” is a joint research seminar on the journeys of Japanese architect Sei’ichi Shirai and French philosopher Félix Guattari in Europe and Japan respectively. Architectural critic Thomas Daniell and philosopher Nicolas Prignot will talk about the historical investigations they are conducting into these two personalities.

In 1931, Japanese architect Sei’ichi Shirai travelled to Germany to study European philosophy. He enrolled in Karl Jaspers’s seminar at the University of Heidelberg. In Berlin, Shirai helped publish a left-wing newspaper and engaged in other forms of political activism. In Paris, he spent time with artists and critics and writers such as André Malraux and Fumiko Hayashi. Upon his return to Japan in 1933, he helped establish a commune in the mountains outside Tokyo, before starting his career as an architect.

During the 1980s, French philosopher Félix Guattari made frequent trips to Japan. Guattari met with artists, dancers, urban planners, writers, activists, and architects. These included conversations with architects such as Shin Takamatsu and Hiromi Fuji. 

What led these two individuals to embark on these journeys? What were their motives? Who did they meet? How were their respective practices transformed upon return? How does one study those journeys?

Practical Information

Tuesday 11.03.2025
14:30 – 16:30
Faculté d’architecture de l’ULB
19 place Flagey, 1050 Ixelles
White Room – Architecture library (third floor)

Teams Joint Research Seminar | SEI’ICHI SHIRAI Heidelberg – FÉLIX GUATTARI Tokyo Tuesday 11 Mar 14:30–16:30CET