Japanese Architecture

Page history last edited by Sarah Brooks 8 mos ago

The Basics

The primary factor of existence for the Japanese people was that of nature. Their architecture reflects and embodies this Shinto belief. Shintoism is the belief that a kami (deity) lives in every natural objects from volcanoes to mountains, waterfalls, rocks, trees, etc. They fitted themselves into nature, considering themselves an intrinsic part of the total environment. Japanese architecture is in a sense, a cultural evolvement involving the synthesis of their own ideals with cultural and religious forms of India, Korea, and primarily China.

The most important and fundamental characteristic of Japanese architecture is that it is based on the skillful use of various woods. Wood is, and has always been, their main source of building material as it is durable and in abundance in Japan. A buildings structural members are at the same time the ornamental members of a building (columns etc. are always exposed). Structures are composed of straight lines except for the roof. Japanese roofs are not flat because of heavy rains. They are beautiful, expressive, and come in many different styles made with curved lines and slopes. Due to the constant threat of earthquakes in Japan, their buildings are raised off the ground by a few feet.

The first inhabitants

Stone Age culture: houses consisted of rough huts constructed over shallow rectangular pits about 2 to 3 feet. Roof held up by 4 posts. Looked similar to an elongated tent.

Third and Fourth Centuries

Ise Shrines used natural growing things as building material. Constructions blended into living environment and were not vast or permanent. They are rebuilt roughly every twenty years in their original design. Shrines reflect Shinto beliefs.

Nara Period 8th century - imitation of Chinese

Japan adopted Buddhism in 8th century as official religion and acceptance of culture attending it. importation of new art forms, complete system of religious and bureaucratic architecture, and new written language. The great temples were built after Chinese models with buildings symmetrically arranged on stone platforms, columns painted vermilion, roof tiles brightly glazed, and with disregard of nature.

Kondo of Toshodaiji (745)

The largest wooden structure under one roof, a two mile enclosure. The temple also houses the worlds largest bronze statue of a seated Buddha 53 1/2 feet tall. It houses numerous statues that are made in a heavy style with short necks, large, round faces and massive bodies. The temple reflects the new fashion of China. The statues have severe and aloof expressions which puts emphasis on rules and right behavior.

Himeji Castle -example of early 17th-century Japanese architecture: Muromachi Period

Japan had a sudden building of castles in the mid 1500's due to the introduction of rifles and the great change in methods of warfare. The plans and details of European castles were used in the construction of Japanese castles, such as the moats and high stone walls. However, the castles were still built with wood and their style was traditional Japanese.

Traditional Japanese Homes

Shoin is what Westerners’ call the Japanese house. This style began in the 16th century is still used today. Wood remains the chief building material, post and beam skeleton frame are raised 2 feet above ground (so it won’t rot or break during earthquakes). Columns are used instead of solid wall construction. Shoji are sliding outer doors made of a wood frame covered with translucent white paper, also used as walls. Roof produces eave system which allows for winter sun to penetrate interior while excluding the hot rays and rainfall.

Living area

The floor is the common surface of activity for sitting, living, and sleeping. It is an important surface plane with intimate qualities of warmth and texture. The decorative effects are considered from eye level of a seated person. Colors are neutral and decoration is simple. The walls can be opened during the summer. Originally, Japanese homes were not separated into rooms and allowed no privacy. Screens were added when rooms were given a particular function (eating, sleeping, etc.). Traditionally, the Japanese house was not considered separate from the outside but as a continuous element.

Modern Architecture

The Meiji Restoration in 1868 introduced modern architectural techniques to Japan but was resisted in the 1880's in favor of more Asian style models. The end of WWI was followed by periods of Gothic and Renaissance styles under European influence. WWII left hundreds of Japanese cities destroyed. Apartment buildings were constructed one after another to house those displaced by war, along with public buildings such as government offices, theaters, etc.The city plan for expanding Tokyo was difficult because architects were faced with an aesthetic based on deeply rooted cultural traditions but must create a design incorporating the industrial terms of modern Japan. Foreigners who visit Japan, especially Tokyo and Osaka, say that the cities are much too Americanized with no Japanese taste or atmosphere. Yet, it would be unreasonable and somewhat impossible to incorporate detailed forms of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines into modern buildings.