A new publication from MoMA shines light on the role that structural engineers play in the burst of experimental architecture in postwar Japan. Through essays, images and conversations it traces a lineage of internationally-minded engineers, collaborating effectively, exchanging ideas with architects and mentoring younger generations.
Charting Japanese structural design from 1950 to today, the book prides itself in a scholarly yet accessible approach to the largely unexplored subject. Visual material including archival and contemporary photography is sure to attract new audiences. Texts by Japan’s leading structural engineers will also appeal to experts in the field.
Based on a 2016 symposium held at The Museum of Modern Art during the exhibition ‘A Japanese Constellation: Toyo Ito, SANAA, and Beyond’, the content features a series of in depth essays and roundtable discussions. It’s here where the inter-generational journey of knowledge can be traced – through the experiences of working architects and engineers who have participated with and learnt from the 20th century practitioners first-hand.
Editor Guy Nordenson, a structural engineer in New York and professor at the Princeton University School of Architecture, pulls out the ‘lineages’ highlighted in the title: Structured Lineages: Learning from Japanese Structural Design. And gives special focus to the work of Kawaguchi Mamoru, Kimura Toshihiko, Matsui Gengo, Saitō Masao, Sasaki Mutsurō, and Tsuboi Yoshikatsu.
The book argues for more credit to be given to these collaborative spirits, who created the best circumstances for the innovation that defined the Japanese architectural scene from the late 20th century until today.
Interior view of Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Tokyo by Tange Kenzō (architect) and Tsuboi Yoshikatsu (engineer), completed 1964.
Japanese Exhibition House, The Museum of Modern Art by Junzo Yoshimura, exhibited 1954-55. courtesy of The Museum of Modern Art Department of Architecture and Design. Soichi Sunomi/The Museum of Modern Art, New York
Interior view of 12th World Orchids Conference Pavilions, Kanagawa Prefecture by Murata Yutaka (architect) and Kawaguchi Mamoru (engineer), completed 1987. Courtesy Kawaguchi & Engineers
Expo ’70 Fuji Group Pavilion, Osaka, Japan by Kawaguchi Mamoru, architect and engineer, completed 1970.Courtesy Kawaguchi & Engineers
INFORMATION
Structured Lineages: Learning from Japanese Structural Design, published by The Museum of Modern Art, New York / Thames and Hudson, $45/£35
store.moma.org
-
The Park: step inside Jeremy King's mid-century dinerOne of several 2024 openings from restauranteur, Jeremy King, food critic Ben McCormack books in at The Park
-
Six brilliant bars for your 2025 celebrations, hot off the Wallpaper* travel deskWallpaper’s most-read bar reviews of the year can't be wrong: here’s inspiration for your festive and new year plans, from a swanky Las Vegas lounge to a minimalist London drinking den
-
Misfires and Monstrosities: three vehicular design disasters that show taste is in retreatFrom a multi-million dollar piece merchandise to a wretched Rolls-Royce, these are the low points of the year in transportation design
-
Tadao Ando: the self-taught contemporary architecture master who 'converts feelings into physical form’Tadao Ando is a self-taught architect who rose to become one of contemporary architecture's biggest stars. Here, we explore the Japanese master's origins, journey and finest works
-
The Kumagaya House in Saitama is a modest family home subdivided by a soaring interiorThis Kumagaya House is a domestic puzzle box taking the art of the Japanese house to another level as it intersects a minimal interior with exterior spaces, balconies and walkways
-
Shigeru Ban wins 2024 Praemium Imperiale Architecture AwardThe 2024 Praemium Imperiale Architecture Award goes to Japanese architect Shigeru Ban
-
'Tropicality' explored in Indonesian architect Andra Matin’s first monograph'Tropicality' is a key theme in a new book on Indonesian architect Andra Matin, whose work blends landscape, architecture and living
-
Pace Tokyo is a flowing Sou Fujimoto experience that ‘guides visitors through the space’Art gallery Pace Tokyo, designed by Sou Fujimoto in a Studio Heatherwick development, opens in the Japanese capital
-
‘A Time ⋅ A Place’ is a lovingly compiled photographic portrait of cars and architecture‘A Time ⋅ A Place’ is a celebration of the European Car of the Year and changing perceptions of modern design, pairing the best buildings of the age with their automotive contemporaries
-
Álvaro Siza’s new monograph through the lens of Duccio Malagamba is impactful and immersiveÁlvaro Siza and photographer Duccio Malagamba collaborate on a new monograph by Phaidon; ‘Before / After: Álvaro Siza Duccio Malagamba’ celebrates the Portuguese architect's work
-
How the Arc’teryx Tokyo Creation Centre is all about craft, openness and cross-pollinationArc’teryx launches its Tokyo Creation Centre, a hub for craftsmanship designed by Torafu Architects, embodying the brand's ethos
