Four Facets of Contemporary Japanese Architecture: Humans from edX

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

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

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

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Helps students stay organized and engage with course materials.

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

Review Japanese Architecture History

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

Browse courses on Architecture

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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

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Introduces students to key concepts of Japanese architecture.

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

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

Seven other activities

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Analyze architectural plans

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

Browse courses on Architectural Design

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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

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Encourages students to experience contemporary Japanese architecture in person.

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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

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Provides an immersive experience of contemporary Japanese architecture in Tokyo.

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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

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

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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

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

Browse courses on Japanese Architecture

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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

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

Browse courses on Architecture Design

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

Participate in Architectural Preservation Project

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Provides practical experience in preserving and understanding Japanese architecture.

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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

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

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

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

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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.

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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.

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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

Four Facets of Contemporary Japanese Architecture

Humans

What you'll learn

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What's inside

Learning objectives

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Activities

Career center

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