Tatami - Blog 2

Tatami Mats

     In the previous blog, I had discussed the 3 main programmatic functions that tatami mats serve. Here is a little bit of information on the materiality and the function of the materials.

     Traditional Tatami mats are composed of three different parts: the reed or rush cover₁, the straw core₂ and the decorative cloth edging₃. In Japanese these are the tatami omote₁, tatami goto₂ and the tatami beri₃. The tatami omote is made of a soft reed and each tatami needs about 4,000 to 5,000 rushes. Hemp or cotton string is then used to weave the omote together. To make the tatami goto or straw core, 40cm of straw is crushed to just 5cm. Finally, cloth is used to border the mats on the long sides. The color of these tatami beri was used to show the rank of the individual household that owned the tatami. If a pattern is woven into the tatami beri, much care is taken to make the pattern continuous where the tatami border each other.

     Modern Tatami mats have found a new purpose in existence over the past hundred years or so. Rather than using natural material and neglecting the traditional process of creation; tatami mats have been reintroduced to the world in a foam format. These mats are generally found in martial arts facilities where tatami mats are used for both absorbing impact when a person hits the ground, and also they are used as a flooring mat for the competition area; giving both scale, size, and aesthetics.

     Functionally, just like typical area rugs, tatamis are also very effective at absorbing heat. And they absorb a lot of water from the air. If the atmosphere is dry, the water will evaporate again. Tatami are made of soft reed and according to traditional Chinese medicine this will calm the spirit, relax the body and soothe the mind.

Sketches and Function

-Permanent installation of Synthetic Tatami Mats for Martial Arts

-Permanent Installation of synthetic or traditional rice straw tatami mats placed in Japanese-styled.

-Tatami proportions are often used in Japanese concrete architecture as formwork templates; for both aesthetics and tradition.

(Images Below)

Tim Stanley 4YR