Japanese Architecture, and what I want to learn about

Based on what you have learned at university, what would you like to learn from Japanese architecture ?

Throughout my time, studying and practicing in architecture, planning, space, and design manifestos, I would like to argue that architecture is not merely about form acrobatics. It should be conceived as a collective practice that never be solely single entity.

In many times, architecture also can be acted as a virtual engagement beyond its physical intervention, and it goes broader than its nature function as a spatial context. Space and architecture are not separated dimension. Its indivisibly coupled following other social and spatial dimensions.  

Japanese architecture has been dealing the concept of space making and space understanding for a long time. The notion of renewal time, space, and people in Japanese architecture and historical context intertwined and sustained throughout the generation. In my opinion, Japan’s greatest contribution for human ingenuity can be taken from the field of space dilemmas. Japan is kind of small country but with relatively large population. Hence, they should be able to find different solutions to provide spaces that confront with the size and dimensions. For me, it makes the outcome solutions are interesting to be taken into account. In particular, for the further spatial problems in the future especially when we have to deal with space issues.

All of those facts attracted me to do curious about Japanese architecture as well as Japanese culture. Moreover, after getting deeply about the notion of space in a more philosophical understanding in my master degree, it pushed me to gain more narrative of architecture in another world. Japanese architecture for me is more than just combination of unique form and technology, its dimension of the soul is getting closer to the architecture with emotion. Therefore, meet in person with Japanese architecture and having its space experience perhaps will enrich my perspective.

This statement of purpose was written as a part of selection for the 2016 OSAKA Invitational Program for Short-Term Overseas Trainees in Architecture and Arts. 

More Reading :

Gunter Nitschke, From Shinto to Ando. Academy Editions (London). 1993.

Rem Koolhaas, Project Japan: Metabolism Talks. Taschen. 2011

Eka Swadiansa, Breaking to the Fourth Dimension: Shifting Design Politics from 2D Diagram or 3D Modeling Symbol to 4D Operating Symbol. 2011

Xianghua Wu, Concrete Resistance: Ando in the context of critical regionalism. 2006