The Development of Modern Architecture in Japan as Seen in Historical Documents
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2016.5.14[sat]-2016.7.31[sun] |
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The Meiji, Taisho, and Showa periods were times of great change in Japan.
Architecture, too, was pressed to embrace construction techniques introduced from the West. The architects and engineers who resolutely took on this challenge quickly absorbed the new techniques and managed to successfully carry out the modernization of Japan’s architecture. They then went on to create world-class works of architecture after World War II. In what ways did technical innovation take place in this process, and how did these changes reshape architecture in Japan? This exhibition sheds light on these questions by tracing the development of Japanese architecture through a presentation of precious historical materials preserved by various construction companies and universities.
Venue
National Archives of Modern Architecture, Agency for Cultural Affairs 4‐6‐15 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Entry
There are two ways to enter the National Archives of Modern Architecture.
To view only the exhibition (possible only on weekdays):
Please enter via the main gate of the Yushima
Local Common Government Offices (Admission: Free).
To view both the exhibition and Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens:
Please enter via the Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens
(Admission: 400 yen).
DIS-CONTINUOUS UNITY Architecture of YOSIZAKA Takamasa + Atelier U
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DIS-CONTINUOUS UNITY |
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After finishing his studies in the fields of housing and the research into traditional East Asian houses at Waseda University, in 1950 YOSHIZAKA Takamasa (1917-1980) went to Paris to work at Le Corbusier’s atelier for two years.
Upon returning to Japan, he established the Atelier YOSIZAKA Takamasa (renamed “Atelier U” in 1964). All of their designs of private residences, school, governmental and other public buildings, as well as work in the realm of town planning, reflected the atelier’s questioning stance toward the position of architecture in society. The concept of “DISCONT”, an abbreviation for “Discontinuous Unity”,is the fundamental idea behind YOSIZAKA’s philosophy in terms of individual and collective organization, formative design, and design methods. It is at once a principle that reflects the thematic root of this exhibition.
Displayed in this exhibition are plans, sketches, texts and photographs that document the process of creating shapes through a dialogues between “language” and “form”. While walking around actual drafting tables, furniture, architectural fittings and other objects, visitors can experience the generation of architecture as realized in collaboration between several people of great individuality.
Catalog
DIS-CONTINUOUS UNITY
Contents
02 Foreword
04 In Search of Methods for Creating as a Discontinuous Unity – The Architecture of YOSIZAKA Takamasa + Atelier U written by NAKATANI Norihito
07 Part1 From a leaf to an Umbrella – House
10 Houses written by UEDA Makoto
17 Part2 From Words to Forms, From Forms to Words – Form
18 Forms written by FUJIMORI Terunobu
31 Part3 DISCONT – Organization
34 Discontinuous Unity written by SUZUKI Makoto
41 Part4 the Fifth Dart – Civilization
48 Forms of Japan and the World in the Twenty-First Century – A Question of Perspective written by TONUMA Koichi
50 On the YOSIZAKA Takamasa + Atelier U Architectural Fonds written by YAMANA Yoshiyuki
53 Chronology:Atelier U Members and Archived Project Items
54 Chronology :YOSIZAKA Takamasa + Atelier U
Venue
National Archives of Modern Architecture, Agency for Cultural Affairs 4‐6‐15 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Entry
There are two ways to enter the National Archives of Modern Architecture.
To view only the exhibition (possible only on weekdays):
Please enter via the main gate of the Yushima
Local Common Government Offices (Admission: Free).
To view both the exhibition and Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens:
Please enter via the Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens
(Admission: 400 yen).