Is it possible for a building to embody a philosophy? Here at Ryo-shinkan it seems so.
Hello everyone. We stand before Ryo-shinkan Hall. It is a building at Doshisha University in Kyoto. This modern structure completed in 2012 is more than just classrooms and offices. It represents the very essence of Doshisha’s educational ideals.
Doshisha University finished Ryo-shinkan in October 2012. It stands on the former site of Doshisha Junior High School. The junior high school moved to the Iwakura campus. This building has five floors above ground and two below. It covers about 40,000 square meters. This provides ample space for various academic activities.
The name Ryo-shinkan is significant. It comes from Joseph Hardy Neesima’s words. Neesima is the founder of Doshisha. He believed in nurturing people of good conscience. The phrase “ryo-shin” embodies this philosophy.
The building facilitates the integration of the Faculty of Letters. It brings humanities education back to Kyoto. Before its construction, humanities departments were spread across different campuses. After Ryo-shinkan hall was built students from various departments came to study here. This centralization fostered a greater sense of community. It encouraged interdisciplinary interaction.
The architecture of Ryo-shinkan is noteworthy. The central area has a learning common. It spans from the second to the third floor. This provides a large open space for students to collaborate and study. Furthermore the fourth floor is dedicated to small classrooms and seminar rooms. These smaller spaces promote more intimate and focused learning experiences.
Access to Ryo-shinkan is convenient. The building connects directly to the Imadegawa Station. This station is on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line. This underground connection ensures easy access for students and visitors.
Doshisha University has a monument on campus called Ryoshin-hi. It embodies Doshisha education. The Ryo-shinkan hall embodies the spirit of “good conscience.” It represents Neesima’s educational ideals.
As you explore Ryo-shinkan remember it is not just a building. It is a symbol of Doshisha’s commitment to fostering individuals. These people have a well-formed conscience. They will contribute to society.