In brief, a life of refined taste, which was the ultimate intent, was provided by building Katsura Rikyu as a place for daily livelihood without the slightest waste. The newest sense and the most refined process of that time were arranged, both architecturally and from the standpoint of landscaping, the most elegant design was achieved and it is what makes Katsura Rikyu so outstanding. The structures are extremely rational. The whole is laid out very effectively and appropriately from the scientific viewpoint. The entire villa is completely functional.
Arrangement is the most important factor in dwelling house architecture.
Particularly when special conditions of use are required, as in the case of villa architecture, the extent to which the arrangement and details can be adapted to the objective becomes a big problem. It is rare for a villa to be used constantly throughout the four seasons. Generally in Japan, it is used primarily for enjoying life outdoors during the good climatic period from spring to autumn and the villa is designed to conform with this purpose. Upon studying the conditions of use, it has been found that the most extensive use of the villa was from the first part of May to the latter part of October. The greatest frequency of use was from the height of summer to about the time of the harvest moon in autumn.