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Federico von Borstel

Welcome to this course on Japanese Architecture. This course is an excellent and unique introduction to one of the most beautiful, thoughtful and harmonious architectures in the world. Every building and site covered in this course is known and documented by me personally. In this course we begin with the origins of Architecture in Japan, and from those origins we explore the evolution of architecture in Japan.  I will introduce you to some of the best examples of Minka, Shinto Shrines, Buddhist Temples and Palaces. We examine the form, function and beauty of Japanese Architecture. It has been a pleasure to put this course on such a delightful subject together for you. At the end of this course you will be able to understand, analyze and appreciate Japanese Architecture. I teach lecture courses and studios as I wish they would have been taught to me. Much of the graphic material in my lectures is taken or generated first hand directly by me on site. I teach to learn. I teach subjects as I wish they were taught to me. The Mission Statement. Education is a tool for the improvement of successive generations. I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. Confucius

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Welcome to this course on Japanese Architecture. This course is an excellent and unique introduction to one of the most beautiful, thoughtful and harmonious architectures in the world. Every building and site covered in this course is known and documented by me personally. In this course we begin with the origins of Architecture in Japan, and from those origins we explore the evolution of architecture in Japan.  I will introduce you to some of the best examples of Minka, Shinto Shrines, Buddhist Temples and Palaces. We examine the form, function and beauty of Japanese Architecture. It has been a pleasure to put this course on such a delightful subject together for you. At the end of this course you will be able to understand, analyze and appreciate Japanese Architecture. I teach lecture courses and studios as I wish they would have been taught to me. Much of the graphic material in my lectures is taken or generated first hand directly by me on site. I teach to learn. I teach subjects as I wish they were taught to me. The Mission Statement. Education is a tool for the improvement of successive generations. I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. Confucius

This course is designed under the premise that humans should be taught in a way that is modeled after the educational patterns of evolution.

The design, development and application of educational systems based on the educational principles of evolution generates a philosophy and methodology of education in synchrony with the evolutionary education system that is firmly and deeply rooted in each of us.

Education for evolution is an educational system designed to help propel humans forward in the natural course of evolution. The purpose of education for evolution is to enhance and strengthen the natural evolutionary process of humans through the mechanism of education. The means to achieve this objective is the design of a curricula based on the same educational techniques and strategies used by natural evolution, enhanced and guided by the application of conscious educational decisions.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Students will learn the fundamentals of japanese architecture.
  • The course enhances human development.
  • The course promotes self-learning.
  • The course seeks to enrich your life experience.

Syllabus

Introduction
Japanese Architecture Lecture 2
Japanese Architecture Lecture 3
Japanese Architecture Lecture 4
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores Minka, Shinto Shrines, Buddhist Temples and Palaces, which are essential to understanding the history and theory behind architectural design
Examines the form, function, and beauty of Japanese Architecture, which are key elements in the study and appreciation of architectural design
Aims to enrich your life experience, which may appeal to learners seeking personal growth and a broader understanding of cultural aesthetics

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Reviews summary

Introduction to japanese architecture's evolution

According to learners, this course offers a unique and beautiful introduction to Japanese architecture, covering its origins and evolution through examples like Minka, Shinto Shrines, and Buddhist Temples. Many appreciate the instructor's deep knowledge and passion, noting that the lectures are engaging and well-illustrated, often featuring personal photographs and graphics. Students feel it provides a solid foundation for understanding and appreciating the subject. However, some find the lectures can be slow-paced or dry at times, and a few mention that the inclusion of the instructor's personal philosophy of education, while unique, is not entirely relevant to the architecture content itself.
Provides a solid introduction to the topic.
"This course gave me a great introduction and appreciation for Japanese architecture."
"It covers the fundamental forms and evolution very well."
"Perfect for beginners looking to understand the basics of Japanese architectural history."
"I gained a solid foundation for understanding and appreciating the subject."
Expertise and enthusiasm shine through.
"The instructor is clearly passionate and highly knowledgeable about the subject matter."
"His personal connection to the sites makes the course very engaging."
"I learned so much from his insights and deep understanding of Japanese architecture."
"The instructor's passion was evident throughout the lectures, which was inspiring."
Beautiful visuals enhance understanding.
"Excellent course with lovely visuals... makes you want to travel and see the buildings."
"The best part is the use of personal photos of the sites being discussed. It brings the architecture to life."
"The graphics and photographs used in the lectures are truly outstanding and aid comprehension immensely."
"I appreciated the beautiful photos and visuals used to illustrate the different architectural styles."
Educational philosophy is less relevant.
"The sections on the instructor's personal philosophy of education felt out of place and added little to the architecture topic."
"I found the philosophical parts confusing and irrelevant to what I expected to learn about buildings."
"Would prefer the course to focus solely on the architectural content."
Some lectures can be slow or dry.
"While informative, some parts of the lectures felt a bit slow-paced."
"Occasionally the delivery was a little dry, which made it hard to stay focused."
"Could be more dynamic in presentation, though the content is valuable."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Japanese Architecture with these activities:
Read 'The Japanese House: In Space, Memory, and Language'
Deepen your understanding of the cultural context of Japanese architecture by exploring the concepts of space, memory, and language.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read the book, taking notes on key concepts.
  • Reflect on how these concepts relate to the course lectures.
Review Basic Architectural Principles
Solidify your understanding of fundamental architectural concepts to better grasp the nuances of Japanese architecture.
Show steps
  • Review notes from previous architecture courses.
  • Read introductory chapters from an architecture textbook.
  • Complete a short online quiz on architectural terms.
Explore 'A Guide to Japanese Architecture'
Enhance your ability to identify and understand different Japanese architectural styles and techniques.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'A Guide to Japanese Architecture'.
  • Browse the book, focusing on styles covered in the course.
  • Use it as a reference when studying specific buildings.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Sketch Notable Japanese Architectural Elements
Improve your visual understanding and memory of key architectural elements by sketching them.
Show steps
  • Select 5-7 architectural elements from the course.
  • Find images of these elements online or in books.
  • Create detailed sketches of each element.
Create a Timeline of Japanese Architectural History
Reinforce your understanding of the historical progression of Japanese architecture by creating a visual timeline.
Show steps
  • Research key periods and styles in Japanese architecture.
  • Identify significant buildings from each period.
  • Create a timeline with images and descriptions.
Write a Comparative Essay
Deepen your analytical skills by comparing and contrasting Japanese architecture with another architectural style.
Show steps
  • Choose a non-Japanese architectural style.
  • Research the chosen style and its key characteristics.
  • Write an essay comparing and contrasting the two styles.
Design a Modern Japanese Tea House
Apply your knowledge of Japanese architectural principles to a practical design project.
Show steps
  • Research traditional Japanese tea house design.
  • Develop a concept for a modern tea house.
  • Create sketches and a basic floor plan.

Career center

Learners who complete Japanese Architecture will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Architectural Historian
An Architectural Historian researches and documents the history of buildings and architectural styles. A deep understanding of specific architectural traditions, such as Japanese architecture, is essential for this role. This course directly supports the professional goals of an architectural historian by providing a detailed overview of the evolution, forms, function, and beauty of Japanese architecture, including Minka, Shinto Shrines, Buddhist Temples, and Palaces. The course's focus on analysis and appreciation of Japanese architecture will provide you with a strong foundation for advanced research and study. The course's focus on firsthand documentation will also give the learner insights into the perspective of an architectural historian. If you are an aspiring architectural historian, this is a course to consider for your professional development.
Museum curator
A museum curator works to manage artifacts and exhibits, and may specialize in a specific area, such as architecture. This course is beneficial to a museum curator who wants to gain detailed knowledge of Japanese architecture. This course provides the understanding, analytical skills, and appreciation of Japanese architecture a curator needs, and specifically covers the form, function, and beauty of Minka, Shinto Shrines, Buddhist Temples, and Palaces. This course will give you insights into how the pieces of a collection fit together. Furthermore, the course's emphasis on firsthand documentation will help you gain an understanding of how artifacts and spaces are documented.
Cultural Heritage Specialist
A Cultural Heritage Specialist works to preserve and promote cultural properties, including historic buildings. This requires a solid understanding of the history, significance, and specific characteristics of various architectural styles. This course on Japanese architecture is beneficial by introducing you to the origins and evolution of Japanese architecture, including specific examples of Minka, Shinto Shrines, Buddhist Temples and Palaces. As a cultural heritage specialist, you will work to protect and manage such sites, and will need to have a deep knowledge of the form, function, and beauty of Japanese architecture. The course's emphasis on firsthand examples also offers a window into the work of cultural heritage specialists.
Architectural Designer
An Architectural Designer creates designs for buildings based on client needs. This course may be useful for an architectural designer who wants to study the design principles and aesthetics of Japanese architecture, which may inspire new designs. Understanding the form, function, and beauty of structures like Minka, Shinto Shrines, Buddhist Temples, and Palaces, as covered in this course, allows the designer to pull from a rich set of cultural and historical forms. This course may also be useful in providing you with a basis for designs that may be intended for use in Japan. This course covers a range of styles that may inspire ideas for design projects, and gives the user a better sense of the aesthetics of Japanese design.
Interior designer
An Interior Designer creates plans for the interior of buildings, focusing on aesthetics and usability. This course may be useful for an interior designer who wishes to understand the principles of Japanese architectural interiors. The course provides you with a perspective on the form, function, and beauty of Japanese designs, including Minka, Shinto Shrines, Buddhist Temples, and Palaces. An understanding of these structures may inform your designs for interiors that are inspired by Japanese style, or designed for use in Japan. The course's firsthand approach may also give you a sense of the architectural elements that make up such interiors. This course may be helpful for your work as an interior designer.
Art conservator
An art conservator evaluates and treats works of art and architectural structures to preserve them for the future. This course may be useful for an art conservator who wants a detailed understanding of Japanese architecture. The course helps you appreciate the form, function, and beauty of Minka, Shinto Shrines, Buddhist Temples, and Palaces. By understanding the history of Japanese architecture, you are better equipped to assess the original intention of the architect, and to understand how conservation will affect a site's character. The course's focus on analysis and appreciation also guides the conservator in learning how to work with Japanese architecture. This course may be helpful in developing an understanding of Japanese architecture.
Exhibit Designer
An exhibit designer creates displays for museums, galleries, and other venues. This course may be useful for an exhibit designer who is working on an exhibit related to Japanese architecture. An understanding of Japanese architectural history and aesthetics is important to create effective exhibits on this topic. This course enhances your understanding of the form, function, and beauty of structures like Minka, Shinto Shrines, Buddhist Temples, and Palaces. This course may help you in your work, and the course's firsthand approach to presenting architecture may inform your presentation of material for an exhibit. The course may be useful in this context.
Urban Planner
An Urban Planner works to develop plans for the growth and development of communities and cities. This course may be useful for an urban planner to understand the principles behind Japanese architecture. By exploring the form, function, and beauty of Japanese architectural examples, you gain insight into the way buildings fit into an urban environment. This course will provide a deeper understanding of Japanese architectural history and form, and may give you a new perspective in your work as an urban planner. The course may help you take inspiration from the Japanese approach, and understand how design can enhance livability.
Landscape Architect
A Landscape Architect designs outdoor spaces such as parks, gardens, and other landscapes. This course may be useful for a landscape architect seeking to understand the Japanese approach to designing outdoor spaces. This course is useful as it will give context for the design principles used in Japanese architectural sites, and provides knowledge about the form, function, and beauty of structures like Minka, Shinto Shrines, Buddhist Temples, and Palaces. This course may give you a new perspective on landscape design, and can deepen your understanding of Japanese aesthetics. The course might be useful for you.
Building Surveyor
A Building Surveyor inspects, assesses, and reports on building structures. While this course does not cover building survey skills directly, it may be helpful for a building surveyor specializing in historic structures to understand the history and design principles of Japanese architecture. This course will help you understand the evolution of Japanese architecture, and give you an understanding of the form, function, and beauty of structures such as Minka, Shinto Shrines, Buddhist Temples, and Palaces. This course may help you in assessing such structures, and may improve your work as a building surveyor.
Construction Manager
A Construction Manager oversees and coordinates construction projects. While the course does not directly touch on construction management, the course may be useful for a construction manager who has projects related to Japanese architecture. An understanding of the form, function, and beauty of structures such as Minka, Shinto Shrines, Buddhist Temples, and Palaces, will be useful for projects involving these kinds of buildings. This course may give you context for these sorts of projects. This course may help in your role as a construction manager.
Real Estate Developer
A real estate developer oversees the development of properties. This course may be useful for a real estate developer who has projects related to Japanese architecture. An understanding of the evolution, form, function, and beauty of Japanese architectural styles is helpful for contextualizing projects relating to Japanese architecture. This course covers Minka, Shinto Shrines, Buddhist Temples, and Palaces, which will give you a solid understanding of the types of buildings that may be part of your development. This course may give you a new perspective on real estate development.
Teacher
A teacher creates and delivers lessons to students. This course may be useful for a teacher who wants to develop material for a class on Japanese architecture. The course provides you with a body of knowledge of the history and evolution of Japanese architectural styles, including Minka, Shinto Shrines, Buddhist Temples, and Palaces. The course's direct approach to architecture may inspire the design of your future course materials. The course's method, based on the educational patterns of evolution, may also inform your pedagogy. This course may be useful for a teacher.
Travel Blogger
A travel blogger creates content such as articles, videos, and other media about travel destinations. This course may be useful for a travel blogger who intends to visit locations in Japan that feature historical architecture. The course introduces the origins and evolution of Japanese architecture, and provides an understanding of the form, function, and beauty of Minka, Shinto Shrines, Buddhist Temples, and Palaces. This course may inform your work as a travel blogger who wishes to discuss Japanese architecture. The course's firsthand approach to documentation will also give you a strong perspective.
Archival Researcher
An archival researcher specializes in investigating historical documents and materials. This course may be useful for an archival researcher to understand Japanese architectural history. A deeper understanding of Japanese architecture will allow you to better contextualize and understand documents related to that topic. This course introduces you to the origins and evolution of Japanese architecture, and provides an understanding of the form, function, and beauty of Minka, Shinto Shrines, Buddhist Temples, and Palaces. The course's approach to firsthand documentation may also be of use within your role as an archival researcher.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Japanese Architecture.
Explores the cultural and historical significance of the Japanese house. It delves into the concepts of space, memory, and language as they relate to residential architecture. Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of the philosophical underpinnings of Japanese architectural design, enriching your appreciation of the course material.
Serves as a comprehensive overview of Japanese architectural styles and techniques. It useful reference for identifying and understanding different building types and design elements. While not as in-depth as some academic texts, it provides a solid foundation for further exploration and great companion to the course lectures.

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