Japanese Architecture as a Collaborative Process

Architects throughout the world hold Japan's best architecture in high regard, considering the country's buildings among the world's most carefully crafted and innovative. While many books, magazines, and exhibitions have focussed on the results of architectural practice in Japan, this book is the first to explain the reasons for Japan's remarkable structures. Architecture does not occur in isolation; Japan's architects are able to collaborate with a wide variety of people from professional consultants to constructors. Dana Buntrock discusses architecture as a part of the construction community, moving from historical precedents that predate the emergence of the architectural profession in Japan through to contemporary practices. Because Japanese architects are able to collaborate in making decisions, Buntrock includes detailed discussion of the role of contractors, fabricators and suppliers, using accessible non-technical language. She also explains the context for design, addressing educational differences, the importance of Japan's national government in supporting construction, and Japan's legal flexibility. Case studies interspersed throughout the text discuss how these opportunities are explored in architectural practices and highlight important work by some of Japan's leading architects, including Fumihiko Maki, Toyo Ito, Hajime Yatsuka, and Kazuyo Sejima. Notable projects range from the ground-breaking Shonandai Culture Center to the newly acclaimed Sendai Mediatheque. Buntrock has had a unique opportunity to observe architecture and construction practices by a number of highly-regarded firms. The diversity of architects' approaches to practice suggests that Japan's construction community is extraordinarily flexible. Readers will find this book offers them both insights into the nature of architectural practice in their own communities and surprising alternatives.