Japanese Architecture – Buildings & Architects

Contemporary Japanese design is an eclectic mix of traditional design techniques and contemporary Western aesthetics. Widely acclaimed, people across the globe have adopted the Japanese style, looking to incorporate a little of it for their own homes. Let’s look at the top well-known components in Japanese architecture, and also some of Japan’s most famous architectural and building designs. Generate Japanese names with the help of the japanese name generator.

The history of Japanese architecture

Before around the year 1100 B.C.E., Japanese homes were similar to any other house on the globe. They were made up mostly of timber covered with thatched roofing and floors made of earth. In the early 6th century the first shrines resembled the old-fashioned storehouses and homes. It was not till the seventh century when Japanese architecture established its own distinctive style, after being heavily inspired by the other Asian nations.

At the same time, wood became an ideal construction material for Japanese architecture. This was due to a shortage of stone in the period due to the eruption of volcanoes, and wood’s demonstrated durability to earthquakes.

“Traditional Japanese architecture” typically is a reference to buildings constructed in the Edo period, which occurred between the 17th and mid-19th centuries. Japanese Medieval architecture was somewhat like Medieval European architecture at the time because of the high number of castles, however, it was more simple as compared to the European counterpart. After this time, Japanese architecture started to take on greater Western influences.

For more details on the history of Japanese architecture, go to KOCHUU, the award-winning film that examines the history of Japanese structures as well as the diverse influences that have created Japanese architecture the way it is now.

Common elements in traditional Japanese architecture

• Wood

As we’ve mentioned, wood is traditionally the most popular building material used to construct Japanese architecture. In many of the older Japanese houses (as in several of more modern buildings) wood was not painted and used in its natural form is an opportunity to be able to appreciate the grain.

• Sliding doors and screens

Mobile screens (shoji) or sliding doors (fusuma) were common in many older Japanese homes. They were made of paper, which was so that sunlight and shadows flowed through.

• Gedanken

A common feature in both modern and traditional Japanese homes, Genken refers to a tiny portion of the floorplan. Where it is the sunken area that is between the door to the remainder of the house. It is the place where shoes are put before entering.

• Verandas

Older Japanese homes usually include a wooden veranda (called an Engawa) that wraps around the outside of the home.

• Nature

The connection to nature has been an essential aspect of Japanese architecture. This is due to Japan’s Shinto and Buddhist convictions that have had a major influence on architecture. It is evident in the emphasis on natural light and utilization of wood in raw form for building materials, both on the outside and inside.

In 1941, Ando was regarded as one of Japan’s most talented architects despite not having formal training in architecture. His work is most well-known for his innovative use of concrete and natural light and also an unwavering homage to the natural environment. The most well-known of his structures include his Asia Museum of Modern Art and the Langen Foundation in Germany.

• Ryue Nishizawa

The architect from Tokyo Ryue Nishizawa was born on the 26th of June, 1966. And was one of the youngest winners of the Pritzker Prize in 2010. He established Tezuka Architects with his wife Yui Tezuka in 2009. He is known for his work like The Towada Art Center, Teshima Art Museum as well as the Funabashi apartment construction.

• Kengo Kuma

Born in the year 1954. Kengo Kuma has been renowned for his inventive use of technology and materials within his design. A professor and architect of the Graduate School of Architecture at the University of Tokyo. His intention is to redefine the tradition of Japanese architecture to reflect the twenty-first century. 

One of his most famous buildings can be found in The GC Prostho Museum Research Center located in Kasugai, Japan. Which has an impressive set of interlocking wooden components.