Puget Sound Energy and the Urban Forestry Department Sponsor Student Project at The Evergreen State College

(Olympia, Wash.) Students in Machiya II -- a course that explores traditional Japanese culture -- are constructing a Japanese inspired gate on the trail from the Longhouse to the Organic Farm. Daryl Morgan, faculty at Evergreen, has been planning the project for three years.

The gate incorporates elements of both Sukiya and Shoin style architecture. Sukiya architecture is the more rustic style of teahouses. Shoin originally referred to the room used for studying and daily living, but developed into a style adopted by the 15th Japanese military elite who wanted to imitate the style at the imperial court. There will be a small exhibit of models created by Sukiya I that show the development of Japanese architectural style in June. The construction is a gabled-roofed, six post, open portal gate designed and built in the style of a late 17th Century garden gate. The structure is made of recycled timber and will have minimal environmental impact. The timber was donated by Puget Sound Energy and the City of Olympia Urban Forestry Department.

Directions and a map of the campus can be found here: http://www.evergreen.edu/tour/gethere.htm