New Wave Japanese Architecture

by Kisho Kurokawa

This book provides an up-to-date illustrated account of current developments in Japanese architecture. It has been compiled by Kisho Kurokawa, himself an internationally celebrated architect, whose essay guides us towards understanding the innovative and exciting new projects which feature in this book. In addition, Kurokawa helps us to understand current projects against the background of Japan's distinctive and sometimes exclusive cultural and spiritual tradition. Thirty of Japan's most vigorous contemporary architects - among them Itsuko Hasegawa, Kazuyo Kijima, Tadao Ando, Kan Izue and Kazuo Shiho - have been selected. Two projects by each are examined complete with drawings and plans. Short accompanying texts by the respective architects explain each design and convey philosophical ideas as well as more technical information. Kurokawa also points out that these architects support a variety of architectural traditions yet share a common even the most seemingly high-tech Japanese building has its roots in an "invisible" spiritual tradition. "New Wave of Japanese Architecture" not only enhances our understanding of Japan's development as the world's most technologically advanced nation, it also gives us a glimpse of buildings which will influence future generations worldwide. This book gives us a new vision of Japan as it moves towards the 21st century.

1 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[M⚫️N · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gorgeous book with a lot of lush color photos of buildings. I think architects would find this to be a useful reference because it contains a ton of floor plans, cross sections, technical illustrations and photos of models. As a layperson who’s just interested in architecture, I was hoping for a little more written info about the individual buildings featured. Besides the introduction of the book that does admittedly give an excellent overview of what “new wave” architecture is and its relationship to Japanese society, there isn’t much verbiage at all besides the name of each architect and project featured.

TL;DR: nice coffee table book by and for architects.