Study on restoration and preservation of Oya stone parts of the Myonichikan

Abstract

Jiyugakuen Myonichikan was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and his disciple Arata Endo. The Myonichikan was designated as an important cultural property in May 1997. Oya-stone is used extensively in the Myonichikan as well as in Imperial Hotel in Tokyo beacase it is soft enough in which to carve geometrical patterns. However it also deteriorates easily. Because the Myonichikan had become superannuated many parts of Oya-stone have deteriorated and there were structural problems. Therefore restoration work was conducted from 1999 to 2001. This paper arranges details of restoration according to various building structures where Oya-stone is used such as basements, columns, fireplace, chimney, etc. This will provide important data for restoration and preservation of buildings using Oya-stone.