What's your idea?
My idea is "The London College of Fixing" (LCF). The project aims to reconnect people to their possessions through practical workshops and inspiring lectures which show people how to fix, adapt and upcycle the everyday objects in their lives. Teachers at LCF include retired skilled workers and house wives as well as innovative designers / design students and entrepreneurs as guest lecturers. The LCF premises makes use of empty high street shops, which provide space for the college fixing programme, as well as a shop in which fixed items can be sold. The college shops also provide a service for people who want to re-use objects but do not want to fix things themselves, to bring goods to be fixed by the students. In locating the Fixing College on the high street, it promotes a culture of fixing as an alternative to the convenience-lead disposable world.
When were the first seeds of the idea sown?
I am from Japan. After I finished my studies in Tokyo I moved to the UK to learn how to live with old things. When I was studying architecture in Tokyo, I was one of many students who wanted to design new buildings like Sanaa or Toyo Ito. During my masters I went to study in Vienna for one year as an exchange student. My work there made me realise the importance of working with old buildings which nobody had taught me in Japan. The London College of Fixing is an extension of these thoughts, a place to fix and improve old things.
Who have you invited to dinner in A Room for London to help develop the idea?
A range of people including entrepreneurs who I hope will help me get my idea off the ground.
What single thing would you like to happen that evening to help your idea get off the ground?
I would like to make this dinner an amazing opportunity for all of us to discuss how to make a better world. I proposed London College of Fixing as an example of a new way of sustainable living. From this starting point I would like to explore wider opportunities with my guests. I hope there are lots more ideas that come out of our discussions.
How would you describe your relationship to London?
I love London. I'm only a three-year-old Londoner so there is still lots to explore. I live here because it inspires me, it makes me feel I belong here and it makes me think that anything is possible.
How are you feeling about spending the night on board?
I love being on top of roofs. I’m looking forward to reading a lot of books there, as I'm sure I will be so excited after the dinner that I won’t be able to go to sleep very easily.