A Japanese Constellation: Toyo Ito, SANAA, and Beyond

Description

Published in conjunction with an exhibition at The Museum of Modern Art, A Japanese Constellation focuses on the work of a small group of architects and designers influenced by and gravitating around the architect Toyo Ito and the architectural firm SANAA. Beginning with an overview of Ito’s career and his influence as a mentor to a new generation of Japanese architects, the catalogue presents a richly illustrated portfolio of recent works by three generations of internationally acclaimed designers, including Sou Fujimoto, Akihisa Hirata and Junya Ishigami. A Japanese Constellation reveals a network of influence and cross-pollination that has become particularly relevant at the start of the 21st century. Essays by curators, architectural historians and critics reflect on the transmission of an architectural sensibility, and suggest an alternative model to what has been commonly described as an individuality-based "star-system" in architecture. Offering a panorama of interlinked, settled or up-and-coming stars, the publication reveals how shared architectural themes travel across generations of architects, creating a strong identity for a regional practice with global impact. Review: Very inspirational - Very interesting collection of Architects and their works with commentaries. Bought and read after recent trip to Japan with seeing some of the works of some of the Architects presented her, such as K. Sejima (Hokusai museum, 2016), after tip from colleague. The editorials help to place these generations of Architects into perspective (of approx 50 years), by way of reading up on history of Japanese modern Architecture, for its roots. The abundant graphics help to convey the unique sense of space and aesthetics very well. The hardcover book is wrapped in paper that unfolds when taken off and turns out to have project images printed on them as well; nice touch for a book on a 'school' of unique approaches to building and space making that transcends (Western) Modernism as we know it, by way of organic, crafty, surprisingly simple but bold and fresh concepts, and inherent views on recreating/redefining community. Review: Excellent!!! - Excellent!!!