japanese architecture

Keiji Ashizawa on the beauty of harmonised simplicity

It all starts with context and materiality for Japanese architect and designer, Keiji Ashizawa, whose work can be defined by harmonised details through an emphasis on simplicity and curated collaboration.

Projects

Jun Aoki: Giving a century-old museum a glass face lift

How can a historical building remain relevant for the next century? Architect Jun Aoki transforms a key Kyoto cultural site for contemporary relevance.

Projects

Making Swedish minimalism meet Japanese aesthetics

Housed within a 1920’s former bank, Tokyo welcomes new boutique hotel designed by Claesson Koivisto Rune inspired by “aimai” (erasing borders) featuring a series of micro-spaces including a cafe, retail and fine dining.

Projects

A Japanese zen oasis in Kyoto’s forest

How can design reimagine and add value to modern luxury today? Situated in a secluded and undisturbed forest in Kyoto’s north, the new Aman Kyoto designed by Kerry Hill Architects is a minimalist respite surrounded by nature.

Projects

Wonderwall designs a Japanese winery ‘bunker’ inspired by winemaking

Set into a hillside in Japan, the concrete bunker aesthetic of this winery, designed by Wonderwall, belies a fastidious approach to wine-making that defines its layout.

People

Toyo Ito on architecture’s core points

There was high demand for interviews with Toyo Ito at Hong Kong Business of Design Week 2018. In a group session, the eminent Japanese architect answered a variety of questions about key aspects of architecture and practice.

People

Suppose Design Office’s uncharted territory

Finding a way to integrate multiple facets of the built environment, Japanese architecture firm Suppose Design Office not only creates contemporary projects but has opened a real estate agency and construction company all under one roof.

Ideas

Could these be the next new masters of Japanese architecture?

Japan has produced half a dozen Pritzker Prize-winning architects. Design is in the blood. But who is the next generation of design talent from this country – we take a look at the names you should know now and enjoy the beauty of the work they’re producing.

Projects

Capsule hotel + sauna? It’s a thing

Remember Japanese capsule hotels? Although Tokyo is still littered with them, many conjure up a kitsch fad that has passed its heyday. Faced with the task of renovating one, Schemata Architects embraced a no-nonsense retro aesthetic to unite the two activities of sleeping and steaming.

Ideas

Train station design done right – Indesign’s top 5

Can train station design be more than a boring tube to funnel commuters to and from work? These 5 stations show a more beautiful side of urban design.

Projects

Pushing the limits: CLT structure built in two days

A recent pilot CLT project in Japan by Junichi Kato showcases the benefits and appeal of CLT and hopes create demand for a sustainable and more sophisticated ecosystem for CLT production.

Keiji Ashizawa on the beauty of harmonised simplicity

Jun Aoki: Giving a century-old museum a glass face lift

Making Swedish minimalism meet Japanese aesthetics

A Japanese zen oasis in Kyoto’s forest

Wonderwall designs a Japanese winery ‘bunker’ inspired by winemaking

Toyo Ito on architecture’s core points

Suppose Design Office’s uncharted territory

Could these be the next new masters of Japanese architecture?

Capsule hotel + sauna? It’s a thing

Train station design done right – Indesign’s top 5

Pushing the limits: CLT structure built in two days

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