Kolby

My Time in Bison

Coming from a background in civil engineering, my interest in the work at Bison was already piqued even before our arrival. However, during our stay, what I witnessed surpassed all expectations and anticipations. To begin with, the collaborative and incredibly human environment at Bison is unlike anything I have experienced before. The community was incredibly friendly, open, and helpful, not only towards us but also among its members. Within this community, there are no rigid expectations or divisions; instead, everyone is focused on doing their best, and there is a tangible sense of mutual support. In my view, the community’s positivity turned its atmosphere into a home and family rather than just a workspace. Bison is truly unique, and I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity I had to experience its beauty.

Inspirations: Architecture & Construction

Aside from the profound and eye-opening experiences at Bison, my time there held immense value in terms of its relevance to civil engineering. During my stay, two main topics captured my interest, providing valuable insights into the field: Architecture and Construction.

Beginning with Architecture, Nishimura-gumi is guided by a distinctive mindset that forms the basis of their work. This mindset draws inspiration from a "loose to nature" ideology, which, in turn, materializes in the form of organic architecture, a concept completely unfamiliar to me before this experience. Observing this concept be reflected in their work was extremely interesting and inspiring. Now, with a learned understanding, I believe it will significantly enhance my journey towards a career in civil and architectural professions.

Secondly, in the context of Construction, Nishimura-gumi operates under the slogan, "I'm going to create it." Their approach is rooted in a DIY culture that permeates their operations, along with other work inside of the Bison Community. The essence of not being afraid to attempt or build something due to a lack of experience, encouraging learning along the way, is a mindset that I find super motivational. It is a perspective I hope to retain and not forget as I progress in my own endeavors.

Building a Shelf for AIR

Throughout my time at Bison, witnessing the community around me purse their creativity endeavors, it sparked my inspiration and drive to build something of my own, to contribute back to the community. Entering the genkan of the AIR, oftentimes the space was littered with shoes of the people inside. To help relieve this issue, I decided to make a shelf where people could store their shoes when entering. With the help of Ebi-san, we first took measurements and designed the shelf. Next, we sourced and cut our materials, with the wood being repurposed from a house Nishimura-gumi is currently renovating. Finally, we constructed the shelf and surprised Nishimura-san with it. Throughout our time at Bison, the community displayed incredible kindness, care, and acceptance toward us. The feeling that I could contribute a small bit back is incredibly meaningful to me.

Other Memorable Experiences

Thatcher Roof Tour

One of the most memorable experiences from my time at Bison involved visiting "kusakanmuri," a group of craftsmen committed to preserving, restoring, and building Thatcher roofs. During our visit, we had the opportunity to witness one of their ongoing projects and explore their warehouse where they store all the materials essential to their work. The experience was incredibly enjoyable and I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the history and principles surrounding this traditional style of craft.

Farm Tour

Another significant memory for me involves a trip to a farming school. During this visit, we had the opportunity to explore both the farm and the farmhouse, which, in its previous condition, was a dilapidated and abandoned residence. During our visit, I was able to engage in conversation with the owner of the farm/school, who provided me valuable knowledge into the intricacies of traditional Japanese architecture and its distinctive features.

Mud Wall Construction

During our stay at Bison, I participated in various renovation projects spanning multiple active sites. Among the array of tasks I did, my favorite was the mud wall construction. The hands-on experience of learning about and engaging in this eco-friendly construction method was not only incredibly enjoyable but also highly intriguing. Learning and understanding the sustainable principles behind building mud walls added me a unique set of construction knowledge that I would not have easily obtained elsewhere.

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