Aoki, Complete Works
Comprehensive and beautifully produced book destined to become a standard reference work on this Japanese architect. Examines all works undertaken and those yet to be completed; from house, office and museum projects to the much documented series of showrooms for Louis Vuitton. Included also are site plans, sections, elevations and models, as well as essays […]
Aoki, Japan Pavilion: In-Between
The Japan Pavilion at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition, La Biennale di Venezia, explores the architectural intelligence required for the future under the theme of “In-Between.” We often perceive our environment as something to be manipulated—a view that may lie at the root of the climate crisis. While advancing technology is essential, innovation alone cannot […]
Sei, The Pillow Book
The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon” is a fascinating, detailed account of Japanese court life in the eleventh century. Written by a lady of the court at the height of Heian culture, this book enthralls with its lively gossip, witty observations, and subtle impressions. Lady Shonagon was an erstwhile rival of Lady Murasaki, whose novel, […]
Koolhaas, Obrist, Project Japan
Back to the future: Visionary architecture in postwar Japan “Once there was a nation that went to war, but after they conquered a continent their own country was destroyed by atom bombs… then the victors imposed democracy on the vanquished. For a group of apprentice architects, artists, and designers, led by a visionary, […]
Kurokawa, Metabolism in Architecture
The originality of the concepts of “Metabolism” developed by its members and the innovative design of their projects captured the attention of many critics, in Japan as well as abroad, who often either misunderstood or neglected most of the original theories of the group. Therefore, it seems that furthermore analysis could be necessary […]