THE SPATIAL THEORY FOR BUILDING AN IRONMAKING COMPLEX

Sugaya Tatara Sannai Ironmaking Village is known as the last remaining example of Sannai, a complex where traditional Tatara ironmaking has been practiced. The aim of this article is to reveal its spatial theory by comparing the descriptions of ‘’Tetsuzan Hitsuyo Kiji’, a technical book written in the Edo period, ‘Sugaya Tatara Sannai Ezu’, a historical map drawn in the Meiji period, and its actual landscape. The analysis focuses on three aspects: siting, spatial compositions and orientations. In conclusion, the principal is structured by functional mechanism centred on Takadono supported by an abstract concept built up on animistic beliefs.