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Four Facets of Contemporary Japanese Architecture

Humans

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.

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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

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, 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

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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Reading list

We've selected five 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.
Presents the works of Hiroshi Hara, one of the architects featured in the syllabus.
Offers a critical analysis of contemporary Japanese architecture, providing additional insights into the course's topics.
Presents a comprehensive overview of Japanese architecture, serving as a reference guide for the course's content.

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