Week 3- Japan and Japonisme

This week we talked about traditional japanese design. The japanese approach is significantly different than traditional western approach. Instead of focusing on heavy ornamentation and symmetry, japanese design values simplicity and naturalness, along with attentiveness to small details. Japanese design values. The interiors of Japanese design are meant to feel calm and balanced. This design period is definitely my favorite we have studied so far! It's really neat how design can be so quiet but also be very meaningful. One of the things I learned is that wood is used a lot in Japanese architecture. Instead of solid walls, a lot of buildings are constructed with rows of columns and thin moveable panels. The panels are usually made of wood, canvas, paper, or silk to allow light to pass through the space. Interiors can vary depending on the need and be multipurpose due to the moving screens. These are called fusuma. Japanese design is also influenced by zen buddhism. Zen values meditation in a space. Self-discipline and simplicity can be seen in these clean japanese interiors. Interiors also commonly opened to gardens, emphasizing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Nature became an important part of daily life.

Katsura Imperial Villa—tea pavilions connected by stepping stone paths. Reflects balance and simplicity. It is studied by a lot of architects because of the thoughtful yet simple design.

Tokonoma—a display used in japanese homes for flowers and artwork. It is interesting how this emphasizes a few objects in one space instead of filling the room with decor.

Shoji Screens—sliding panels made of wood lattice and translucent paper. These allow light to enter and have neat effects on a space.

Tatami Rooms—the floor becomes the focus of the interior. Shoes come off, furniture is low, and the space is just overall peaceful. 

Current Applications:

Modern minimalist interior—natural wood and simple. Uses neutral colors

Open floor plans- with moveable partitions inspired by fusuma screens

Large sliding doors- connect interior spaces to gardens/outdoor areas

Low-profile furniture and floor seating

Use of wood and bamboo to create calm and balanced spaces. Emphasis on natural light

One step further: 

I chose to focus on Frank Lloyd Wright. Japanese architecture influenced many modern western architects like him. This is called Japonisme, the influence of Japanese design on Western designers in the late 19th century. Wright loves japanese architecture because of how simple and human-scale it is. All his designs have some sort of emphasis on this. We visited the unity temple designed by frank lloyd wright this year in our junior studio class trip to chicago, and it is reminding me of this period. Wright collected japanese prints and used a lot of japanese ideas in his work, like open floor plans, natural materials, and minimal ornamentation. Another design of his that shows this is the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo. 

Reflection:

 

This period was really fun! The design feels very calm and thoughtful. I like how the spaces focus on simplicity and purpose rather than just trying to fill a space with decoration. Design does not have to be complex to be beautiful! I also really like how the japanese eeriod cinnects people to nature and makes places feel peaceful and grounded.