Contemporary Japanese Architecture

Japans contemporary architecture has long been among the most inventive in the world, recognized for sustainability and infinite creativity. No fewer than eight Japanese architects have won the Pritzker Prize.Since Osaka World Expo 70 highlighted contemporary forms, Japan has been a key player in global architecture. Tadao Andos geometry put Japanese building on the map, bridging East and West. After his concrete buildings, figures like Kengo Kuma, Shigeru Ban, and Kazuyo Sejima pioneered a more sustainable approach. Younger generations have taken new directions, in harmony with nature, traditional building, and an endless search for forms.Presenting the latest in Japanese building, this book links this unique creativity to Japans high population density, modern economy, long history, and continual disasters in the form of earthquakes. Accepting ambiguity, constant change, and catastrophe is a key to understanding how Japanese architecture differs from that of Europe or America.This compact edition highlights 37 architects and 53 exceptional projects by Japanese masters-from Tadao Andos Shanghai Poly Theater, Shigeru Bans concert hall La Seine Musical, SANAAs Grace Farms, Fumihiko Makis 4 World Trade Center to Takashi Suos much smaller sustainable dental clinic. An elaborate essay traces the building scene from the Metabolists to today, showing how the interaction of past, present, and future has earned contemporary Japanese architecture worldwide recognition.