EdX

Four Facets of Contemporary Japanese Architecture: Theory (edX)

Offered by The University of Tokyo, UTokyoX,
Four Facets of Contemporary Japanese Architecture: Theory (edX)

Learn the history, ideas and concepts behind contemporary Japanese architecture through four architectural facets and five generations of architects. This series will explore four facets of contemporary Japanese architecture; theory, technology, city, and humans. It will also span five generations of architects since Kenzo Tange. Through lectures by instructors and discussions with the most influential Japanese architects, the course will trace the development of contemporary Japanese architecture and will consider its future direction.

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In this first course, we will focus on one of the four facets of Japanese architecture: theory.
The theory portion will feature discussions with architects who played a significant role in influencing the development of theoretical frameworks that contributed to guiding contemporary Japanese architecture. Terunobu Fujimori, Arata Isozaki, Hisao Kohyama, Kengo Kuma, Hidetoshi Ohno, and Kazuyo Sejima will visit their buildings and discuss the ideas behind their respective works.
In the coming courses on technology, city, and humans, the following leading Japanese architects will discuss their work — Tadao Ando, Shigeru Ban, Manabu Chiba, Sou Fujimoto, Hiroshi Hara, Itsuko Hasegawa, Toyo Ito, Kengo Kuma, Fumihiko Maki, Kazuhiko Namba, Yusuke Obuchi, Satoko Shinohara, Yoshiharu Tsukamoto, and Riken Yamamoto. Don’t miss the rest of this great series!
This course is part of the Four Facets of Contemporary Japanese Architecture XSeries Program.

What you'll learn:

  • Development of contemporary Japanese architecture since the 1964 Tokyo Olympics
  • Features of works of influential Japanese architects
  • Theories behind practices in contemporary Japanese architecture
  • Present concerns and potential future directions for contemporary Japanese architecture
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