「困った木」で作る 時木の積層

1955年〜1973年頃の高度経済成長時代に日本で増えた「団地」という集合住宅。そしてその敷地内にはたくさんの木が植えられました。それから約50年、その団地は老朽化に伴い建て替えることになり、その影響により木々の伐採もせざるを得なくなりました。団地の住人のみなさんに長く親しまれてきた木を、何らかの形で活かしたいという想いから、今回取得に至りました。このように時代の流れで突如増大してしまった団地とそこに植えられた木は、日本全国にきっとたくさんあるでしょう。もう50年なのか、まだ50年なのか。建物と木、それぞれがあり続けるための姿を、今あらためて考えさせられます。

Tree of High Economic Growth

During Japan’s period of rapid economic growth from around 1955 to 1973, a large number of apartment complexes known as “danchi” were built. Many trees were planted on the grounds of these complexes. Now, about 50 years later, these buildings have aged and are being rebuilt, and as a result, the trees that have long been a familiar part of residents’ lives are also being cut down. Wanting to preserve the memory and presence of these trees in some form, we have decided to acquire them. Across Japan, there are surely many “danchi” and trees that, like these, were planted suddenly as the times changed. Has it already been 50 years—or has it only been 50 years? As we reflect on this, we are once again prompted to consider what it means for both buildings and trees to continue existing into the future.