Articles on Japanese design and architecture
One of the major characteristics of Japanese design and architecture is simplicity, minimalist design style that conforms with laws of nature.
Such design philosophy and aesthetics are built upon traditional Japanese culture that dates back a thousand years ago. Each architect or designer embraced Japanese aesthetics differently, and sometimes it may not be too obvious because some rejected stereotyped traditionalism. But if you look carefully, you may find how important it was for them to base their design philosophy on appropriate relationships between people and the natural environment.
Japanese modernist architects in 20th century
堀口捨巳 (Sutemi Horiguchi): The Koide House
堀口捨巳 (Sutemi Horiguchi): Japanese architect who started modern wabi sabi architectural style
篠原一男 (Kazuo Shinohara): The House in White
篠原一男 (Kazuo Shinohara): Kazuo Shinohara’s works and design philosophy
黒川紀章 (Kisyo Kurokawa): The Nakagin Capsule Tower
黒川紀章 (Kisyo Kurokawa): The Capsule House “Capsule K” in Karuizawa
Contemporary Japanese architects
Kengo Kuma
Toyo Ito
Tadao Ando
Sou Fujimoto
Japanese design
柳宗理 (Sori Yanagi): The Butterfly Stool
MUJI
Kenya Hara
Naoto Fukasawa