City: The Third Facet of Contemporary Japanese Architecture

Course Description

"City: The Third Facet of Contemporary Japanese Architecture" is an engaging and insightful course that delves into the fascinating world of Japanese urban architecture. As the third installment in the "Four Facets of Contemporary Japanese Architecture" series, this course explores how Japanese architects have approached city design and conceptualization over the past half-century, with a particular focus on developments since the 1970s.

What Students Will Learn

• The evolution of contemporary Japanese architecture since the 1964 Tokyo Olympics
• Distinctive features of works by influential Japanese architects
• How Japanese architects have attempted to conceptualize cities through their architectural designs
• Current concerns and potential future directions in contemporary Japanese architecture
• Insights into the unique approaches of renowned architects such as Fumihiko Maki, Itsuko Hasegawa, Riken Yamamoto, Kengo Kuma, Jun Aoki, and Atelier Bow-Wow

Prerequisites

While this is an intermediate-level course, the primary prerequisite is a genuine interest in the design and history of architecture, as well as urbanism. No specific technical skills are required, making it accessible to a wide range of learners with a passion for the subject.

Course Content

• Historical context of Japanese urban architecture since the 1970s
• The shift in focus from city conceptualization to individual building design
• The impact of globalization and information technologies on urban development
• Re-engagement of Japanese architects with city conceptualization
• Case studies of influential architects and their notable works
• On-site visits to significant buildings, providing real-world context
• Discussion of ideas and philosophies behind architectural works
• Analysis of changes in urban architecture over the last 50 years
• Exploration of future challenges and opportunities in Japanese urban design

Who This Course Is For

This course is ideal for architecture students, urban planners, design enthusiasts, and anyone interested in Japanese culture and urban development. It's particularly well-suited for those who want to gain a deeper understanding of how architecture influences and shapes city landscapes in Japan.

Real-World Applications

• Architectural practice: Incorporating Japanese design principles and urban concepts into architectural projects
• Urban planning: Developing innovative approaches to city design and revitalization
• Cultural understanding: Enhancing cross-cultural communication in international design collaborations
• Academic research: Furthering studies in contemporary architecture and urban development
• Travel and tourism: Gaining a deeper appreciation for Japanese cityscapes and architectural landmarks
• Sustainable design: Applying lessons from Japanese urban architecture to create more sustainable and livable cities worldwide

Syllabus

As no specific syllabus was provided in the course information, a detailed week-by-week breakdown cannot be given. However, based on the course description, it's likely that the course will be structured around the works and philosophies of the mentioned architects (Fumihiko Maki, Itsuko Hasegawa, Riken Yamamoto, Kengo Kuma, Jun Aoki, and Atelier Bow-Wow), interspersed with historical context, theoretical discussions, and analysis of current trends and future directions in Japanese urban architecture.