In July we announced the winner of the Lee Harris bursary 2024 was Amelia Terry for her application of ‘Modernisation at a Cost: Japan’s Vanishing Architectural Heritage.’
The Lee Harris Bursary commemorates a talented colleague and his girlfriend, Sam, who we very sadly lost in the 2005 London Bombings. Inspired by Lee’s love of photography, travel and architecture, the bursary was established to provide an opportunity for the young designers of 3DReid to travel anywhere in the world and explore their architectural passions.
In October Amelia travelled to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka to understand how Japan is balancing modern urbanisation with the preservation of its rich architectural legacy or whether it is leading towards a homogenised urban landscape.
Throughout the trip, Amelia continued to explore and adapt to the culture and traditions surrounding her, whether it be the food, the fashion, or the bustling night life, she was able to integrate into these amazing environments.
During her journey, Amelia explored the juxtaposition of traditional wooden Machiya townhouses and modern skyscrapers, observing how these structures coexist—or clash—in the bustling streets of Kyoto. While some districts have retained their historic charm through stringent preservation laws, others have succumbed to redevelopment pressures, prioritizing economic growth over cultural heritage.
Amelia’s presentation in our studio
In Tokyo, Amelia delved into projects like the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings. Notable examples include the transformation of historic warehouses into vibrant art spaces and cafés, illustrating how innovation can breathe new life into traditional architecture. However, she also highlighted the challenges of maintaining such efforts in a city constantly racing toward the future, with land scarcity and financial constraints often tipping the balance toward demolition.
Osaka provided a different narrative, highlighting the pragmatism of a city that prides itself on reinvention. Amelia studied the city’s hybrid approach, where preservation is less about freezing the past and more about integrating historical aesthetics into modern developments. This philosophy is best captured in the seamless blending of Osaka Castle with its surrounding contemporary urban park—a compromise that respects history while accommodating present-day needs.
Amelia with Lee’s parents – Lynn and Brian
Her findings spark a deeper conversation about how other nations facing similar dilemmas might strike a balance between growth and preservation. Amelia’s work encourages us to consider how architectural heritage contributes to a city’s soul—and whether the pursuit of modernity should come at the expense of losing what makes a place unique.
Amelia presented a beautiful and fascinating landscape through captivating photography, video, and various culinary delights to current and former members of our London studio and Lee’s parents, Lynn and Brian who have attended every presentation given since the bursary was started in 2006.
Food and memories Amelia brought back from Japan
