ARCH 4050/5050: Japanese Concepts of Space
Course Objectives:
This seminar examines Japanese concepts of space. Underlying principles and paradigms of Japanese domesticity, spatial patterns, perceptual phenomena, surface and constructional materiality will be unpacked. Different compositional strategies and their relationship to cultural values and systems of meaning are studied. The city of Tokyo serves as a backdrop. Though geographically sprawling, Tokyo is a massive agglomeration of tiny pieces, slivers and wedges. Remarkably, each tiny part seeks to play a role in making the city. Along the way, they explore a range of Japanese enigmas, from the conspicuous absence of large open public spaces to the magical network of small circuitous streets, alleyways and bifurcated blocks and lots to the remarkably refined yet ambiguous relationship between architecture and nature. Contemporary ideas and projects are examined, including works by Hisao Kohyama, Hiroshi Hara, Kazuo Shinohara, Hiromi Fujii, Toyo Ito, Go Hasegawa, Sou Fujimoto, Ryuji Nakamura, Atelier Bow-Wow, Akihisa Hirata, Kengo Kuma, Ryue Nishizawa, and Kazuyo Sejima. Their ideas and projects will be used to illustrate new relationships forged between architecture and society.
References: An Anatomy of Influence, Thomas Daniell, AA Publications, 2018 / After the Crash: Architecture in Post-Bubble Japan, Thomas Daniell, Princeton Architectural Press, 2008 / Contemporary Japanese Architects: Profiles in Design, Taro Igarashi, 2018 / City with a Hidden Past, Fumihiko Maki, Kajima Institute, 2018 / Small Tokyo: Measuring the Non-Measurable, Keio Institute, 2012 / How to Make a Japanese House, NAI OIO Press, 201
Students: Michael Brooks, Jason Hayden, Eric Jackson, Logan Johnson, Mackenzie Lail, Rafi Luna-paz, Cameron McElyea, William Pak, Angel Quizhpi-Vazquez, Taylor Ramsey, Abby G. Smith, Nguyen Tao, Richie Vaca
Mock-Ups
Installation
