We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Course image

Course image

Four Facets of Contemporary Japanese Architecture

Humans

Course image

Kengo Kuma and Yusuke Obuchi

5.0

Based on 5 ratings

, see reviews

Kengo Kuma and Yusuke Obuchi

This is the fourth course in the “Four Facets of Contemporary Japanese Architecture” series, which focuses on the fourth facet: humans.

Economic miracle, environmental problems, bubble economy and its collapse, information technology and globalization, earthquakes, population decline, pandemic... The nearly 60 years between the two Tokyo Olympics, 1964 and 2021, was a turbulent time for humans in Japan. During this period, how has architecture changed? And what happened to humans that architecture was supposed to have supported?

Read more

This is the fourth course in the “Four Facets of Contemporary Japanese Architecture” series, which focuses on the fourth facet: humans.

Economic miracle, environmental problems, bubble economy and its collapse, information technology and globalization, earthquakes, population decline, pandemic... The nearly 60 years between the two Tokyo Olympics, 1964 and 2021, was a turbulent time for humans in Japan. During this period, how has architecture changed? And what happened to humans that architecture was supposed to have supported?

This course on “Humans” will review the works of those architects who have attempted to conceptualize humans through their architecture and examine the changes over the last half century as well as the issues for the future. Hiroshi Hara, Toyo Ito, Osamu Ishiyama, Kengo Kuma, Satoko Shinohara, and Sou Fujimoto visit their buildings to discuss the ideas behind their respective works.

What you'll learn

Development of contemporary Japanese architecture since the 1964 Tokyo Olympics
Features of works of influential Japanese architects
Unique technologies used for contemporary Japanese architecture
Present concerns and potential future directions for contemporary Japanese architecture

What's inside

Learning objectives

Development of contemporary japanese architecture since the 1964 tokyo olympics
Features of works of influential japanese architects

Unique technologies used for contemporary japanese architecture
Present concerns and potential future directions for contemporary japanese architecture

Development of contemporary japanese architecture since the 1964 tokyo olympics
Features of works of influential japanese architects
Unique technologies used for contemporary japanese architecture
Present concerns and potential future directions for contemporary japanese architecture

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides a comprehensive historical overview of contemporary Japanese architecture, highlighting both its development and influences

Features prominent architects whose works have shaped the landscape of Japanese architecture, offering insights into their unique approaches and design philosophies

Examines the evolution of architectural techniques and technologies employed in Japan, showcasing innovative and sustainable practices

Highlights current challenges and future prospects for Japanese architecture, fostering critical thinking about its role in addressing societal needs

Led by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, providing access to expert knowledge and insights from a leading practitioner in the field

Requires familiarity with architectural concepts and terminology, making it suitable for individuals with a background in architecture or related disciplines

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

Save

Reviews summary

Contemporary japanese architecture and human impact

According to learners, this course offers an excellent and unique deep dive into contemporary Japanese architecture, particularly focusing on its relationship with humans and societal changes. Students particularly praise the direct insights from influential architects through compelling interviews. While the content is described as academically rigorous and sometimes dense or abstract, making it potentially challenging for absolute beginners, those with a foundational interest in architecture or Japanese culture find it highly engaging and thought-provoking. The course is noted for its historical context from the 1964 to 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

Instructor provides clear, insightful guidance.

"The professor is very knowledgeable and passionate, making the lectures engaging despite the complex subject matter."

"I found the instructor's delivery to be clear and articulate, guiding us through intricate architectural concepts effectively."

"The quality of instruction is consistently high, which greatly aids in understanding the course material."

Offers comprehensive, academically rigorous material.

"The lectures are very informative and well-researched, providing a solid understanding of the topic."

"I found the course to be very deep and insightful, perfect for someone looking for a serious academic engagement."

"It's a comprehensive overview, going beyond just the buildings to explore the underlying philosophies."

Explores architecture through a human-centric lens.

"The focus on 'humans' as a facet of architecture is incredibly unique and gives a fresh perspective."

"I appreciated the profound approach to how architecture impacts and is shaped by human experiences."

"This course provided a truly thought-provoking exploration of architecture's connection to society and people."

Gain direct wisdom from leading Japanese architects.

"The talks with the architects themselves are invaluable. Their insights truly bring the concepts to life."

"It's fascinating to hear directly from the architects about their ideas and the stories behind their works."

"I enjoyed listening to the interviews and the thought process that goes into designing architecture."

Discussions can be abstract; some wish for more visual aids.

"While the discussions were intellectual, I sometimes wished for more concrete visual examples to accompany the abstract theories."

"Some parts felt a bit too theoretical and could have benefited from more diagrams or architectural plans to illustrate points."

"I found myself re-watching sections due to the density of information and the conceptual nature of the content."

Better suited for those with some prior architectural background.

"Some concepts were quite advanced, and I felt I needed a stronger background in architecture to fully grasp everything."

"While interesting, it's definitely not for beginners. A basic understanding of architectural terms is very helpful."

"I struggled with some of the more abstract ideas, which seemed to assume prior familiarity with the field."

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 Four Facets of Contemporary Japanese Architecture: Humans with these activities:

Course Resource Compilation

Show steps

Helps students stay organized and engage with course materials.

Show steps

Create a digital or physical folder for course materials
Organize materials by topic or module

Review Japanese Architecture History

Show steps

Reviews basic concepts and principles of Japanese architecture before taking this course.

Browse courses on Architecture

Show steps

Read architectural history textbooks
Review academic papers covering Japanese architectural history
Visit local architectural historical sites relevant to the course

Review 'The Japanese House' by Arata Isozaki

Show steps

Introduces students to key concepts of Japanese architecture.

View The Contemporary Tea House: Japan's Top... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book 'The Japanese House'
Summarize the book's main arguments and insights

Seven other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all ten activities

Analyze architectural plans

Show steps

Analyzing architectural plans will help you develop a deeper understanding of the technical aspects of contemporary Japanese architecture.

Browse courses on Architectural Design

Show steps

Find architectural plans online or in a library.
Study the plans carefully and identify the different elements and spaces.
Sketch out your own architectural plans based on what you have learned.

Architecture Photo Journal

Show steps

Encourages students to experience contemporary Japanese architecture in person.

Show steps

Take photos of various contemporary Japanese architecture
Write short descriptions of architectural features, design, and context
Compile photos and descriptions into a photo journal

Tokyo Architectural Tour

Show steps

Provides an immersive experience of contemporary Japanese architecture in Tokyo.

Show steps

Research Tokyo's architectural scene and identify significant buildings
Book guided tours with architects or architectural historians
Participate in tours and observe architectural details

Design a contemporary Japanese building

Show steps

Designing a contemporary Japanese building will help you apply your knowledge of the subject and develop your creativity.

Browse courses on Architectural Design

Show steps

Choose a specific type of building to design, such as a house, a museum, or a school.
Research the latest trends in contemporary Japanese architecture.
Sketch out your design ideas and create a scale model.
Present your design to a group of peers for feedback.

Architecture Presentation and Discussion

Show steps

Allows students to present their understanding of Japanese architecture and engage in discussions.

Browse courses on Japanese Architecture

Show steps

Research a specific Japanese architect or architectural style
Prepare a presentation on the chosen topic
Present to peers and participate in discussions

Design a Contemporary Japanese House

Show steps

Encourages students to apply their understanding of Japanese architecture to design.

Browse courses on Architecture Design

Show steps

Research different types of traditional and contemporary Japanese houses
Develop design concepts and sketches
Create digital or physical models

Participate in Architectural Preservation Project

Show steps

Provides practical experience in preserving and understanding Japanese architecture.

Show steps

Identify local historical societies or preservation organizations
Volunteer to assist in architectural restoration or preservation projects
Learn about traditional construction techniques and materials

Career center

Learners who complete Four Facets of Contemporary Japanese Architecture: Humans will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Architect

Architects design and create buildings, taking into account the needs of the people who will use them. This course would be particularly helpful for architects who want to specialize in contemporary Japanese architecture. The course covers the development of contemporary Japanese architecture since the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, as well as the features of works by influential Japanese architects. This knowledge would be invaluable for architects who want to design buildings that are both beautiful and functional.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architect

Architectural Historian

Architectural historians research and write about the history of architecture. This course would be helpful for architectural historians who want to specialize in contemporary Japanese architecture. The course covers the development of contemporary Japanese architecture since the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, as well as the features of works by influential Japanese architects. This knowledge would help architectural historians to understand the context of contemporary Japanese architecture and to write more informed and insightful articles and books.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architectural Historian

Architectural Critic

Architectural critics write about architecture for magazines, newspapers, and websites. This course would be helpful for architectural critics who want to specialize in contemporary Japanese architecture. The course covers the development of contemporary Japanese architecture since the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, as well as the features of works by influential Japanese architects. This knowledge would help architectural critics to understand the context of contemporary Japanese architecture and to write more informed and insightful reviews.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architectural Critic

Urban Planner

Urban planners design and plan cities and towns. This course would be helpful for urban planners who want to specialize in contemporary Japanese architecture. The course covers the development of contemporary Japanese architecture since the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, as well as the features of works by influential Japanese architects. This knowledge would help urban planners to understand the context of contemporary Japanese architecture and to design cities and towns that are both beautiful and functional.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Landscape Architect

Landscape architects design and create outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and plazas. This course would be helpful for landscape architects who want to specialize in contemporary Japanese architecture. The course covers the development of contemporary Japanese architecture since the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, as well as the features of works by influential Japanese architects. This knowledge would help landscape architects to understand the context of contemporary Japanese architecture and to design outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and functional.

See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Architect

Interior designer

Interior designers design and create the interiors of buildings. This course would be helpful for interior designers who want to specialize in contemporary Japanese architecture. The course covers the development of contemporary Japanese architecture since the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, as well as the features of works by influential Japanese architects. This knowledge would help interior designers to understand the context of contemporary Japanese architecture and to design interiors that are both beautiful and functional.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interior designer

Construction Manager

Construction managers oversee the construction of buildings and other structures. This course would be helpful for construction managers who want to specialize in contemporary Japanese architecture. The course covers the development of contemporary Japanese architecture since the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, as well as the features of works by influential Japanese architects. This knowledge would help construction managers to understand the context of contemporary Japanese architecture and to oversee the construction of buildings that are both beautiful and functional.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Manager

Real Estate Developer

Real estate developers acquire and develop land for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes. This course would be helpful for real estate developers who want to specialize in contemporary Japanese architecture. The course covers the development of contemporary Japanese architecture since the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, as well as the features of works by influential Japanese architects. This knowledge would help real estate developers to understand the context of contemporary Japanese architecture and to develop projects that are both profitable and aesthetically pleasing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Developer

Professor of Architecture

Professors of architecture teach and research architecture at universities and colleges. This course would be helpful for professors of architecture who want to specialize in contemporary Japanese architecture. The course covers the development of contemporary Japanese architecture since the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, as well as the features of works by influential Japanese architects. This knowledge would help professors of architecture to understand the context of contemporary Japanese architecture and to teach their students about this important topic.

See salaries and explore the career path for Professor of Architecture

Architecture Librarian

Architecture librarians manage and maintain collections of books, journals, and other resources related to architecture. This course would be helpful for architecture librarians who want to specialize in contemporary Japanese architecture. The course covers the development of contemporary Japanese architecture since the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, as well as the features of works by influential Japanese architects. This knowledge would help architecture librarians to build and maintain collections that are relevant to the needs of their users.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architecture Librarian

Museum curator

Museum curators oversee the collections of museums and art galleries. This course would be helpful for museum curators who want to specialize in contemporary Japanese architecture. The course covers the development of contemporary Japanese architecture since the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, as well as the features of works by influential Japanese architects. This knowledge would help museum curators to develop and curate exhibitions on contemporary Japanese architecture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

Art historian

Art historians research and write about the history of art. This course would be helpful for art historians who want to specialize in contemporary Japanese architecture. The course covers the development of contemporary Japanese architecture since the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, as well as the features of works by influential Japanese architects. This knowledge would help art historians to understand the context of contemporary Japanese architecture and to write more informed and insightful articles and books.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art historian

Journalist

Journalists write and report on news and current events. This course would be helpful for journalists who want to specialize in contemporary Japanese architecture. The course covers the development of contemporary Japanese architecture since the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, as well as the features of works by influential Japanese architects. This knowledge would help journalists to understand the context of contemporary Japanese architecture and to write more informed and insightful articles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Photographer

Photographers take pictures of people, places, and things. This course would be helpful for photographers who want to specialize in contemporary Japanese architecture. The course covers the development of contemporary Japanese architecture since the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, as well as the features of works by influential Japanese architects. This knowledge would help photographers to understand the context of contemporary Japanese architecture and to take more informed and insightful photographs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photographer

Reading list

We've selected seven 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 Four Facets of Contemporary Japanese Architecture: Humans.

Ando Tadao - Details 3

Save

Presents a collection of essays on contemporary Japanese architecture, written by leading architects, critics, and historians. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the development of contemporary Japanese architecture.

Ando Tadao - Details 3

Ando Tadao - Details 3

Diachronic Perspectives on Personal Pronouns in...

Save

Presents a comprehensive overview of the work of Osamu Ishiyama, one of the most influential Japanese architects of his generation. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the development of contemporary Japanese architecture.

Diachronic Perspectives on Personal Pronouns in...

Diachronic Perspectives on Personal Pronouns in...

Cover image

Cover image

Itô’s Stochastic Calculus and Probability Theory

Save

Presents the works of Hiroshi Hara, one of the architects featured in the syllabus.

Itô’s Stochastic Calculus and Probability Theory

Cover image

Cover image

Kengo Kuma: My Life as an Architect in Tokyo

Save

Features the works of Kengo Kuma, one of the course instructors.

Kengo Kuma: My Life as an Architect in Tokyo (My...

Kengo Kuma: My Life as an Architect in Tokyo (My...

Cover image

Cover image

The Gardens of Japan

Save

Examines Japanese architecture throughout history, offering a broader context for the course's focus on contemporary trends.

The Gardens of Japan

The Imperial Gardens of Japan: Sento Gosho, Katsura...

The Gardens of Japan (English and Japanese Edition)

Cover image

Cover image

Steven Holl Architect

Save

Offers a critical analysis of contemporary Japanese architecture, providing additional insights into the course's topics.

Steven Holl Architect

Steven Holl Architect

Cover image

Cover image

Save

Presents a comprehensive overview of Japanese architecture, serving as a reference guide for the course's content.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Copy Link

Similar courses

Here are one course similar to Four Facets of Contemporary Japanese Architecture: Humans.

Four Facets of Contemporary Japanese Architecture: Technology

Four Facets of Contemporary Japanese Architecture:...

edX Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

World-Class University Partner

Free Trial & Audit

Free Audit Track Available

Free audit track available for most courses, giving open access to video lectures, course readings, and assignments at no charge.

Return & Refund Policy

14-Day Full Refund Window

14-day full refund available up to 14 days after course start or 14 days after payment (whichever comes second, up to 6 months max), provided verified certificate has not yet been earned.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

University-backed credentials authored by elite institutions like Harvard, MIT, and Oxford, with tamper-proof certificate verification.

Key Purchase Protections

Free audit track for open learning access

14-day money-back guarantee on verified certificates

Prestigious university credentials (Harvard, MIT)

Automatic unenrollment refund process via dashboard

OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22

Course image

Rating

5.0

Effort

1 to 2 hours per week for 7 weeks

Level

Introductory

Via

edX

Institution

The University of Tokyo

Instructors

Kengo Kuma

Yusuke Obuchi

Language

English

Transcript

English

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides a comprehensive historical overview of contemporary Japanese architecture, highlighting both its development and influences

Features prominent architects whose works have shaped the landscape of Japanese architecture, offering insights into their unique approaches and design philosophies

Examines the evolution of architectural techniques and technologies employed in Japan, showcasing innovative and sustainable practices

Highlights current challenges and future prospects for Japanese architecture, fostering critical thinking about its role in addressing societal needs

Led by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, providing access to expert knowledge and insights from a leading practitioner in the field

Requires familiarity with architectural concepts and terminology, making it suitable for individuals with a background in architecture or related disciplines

Share this

Share to help others discover this course.

Link

Begin learning today

Enroll now to gain full access to Four Facets of Contemporary Japanese Architecture.

Enroll now Enroll in this course

Save for later

Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.

Save

Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser