Tiny) TAYLOR'S UNIVERSITY Wisdom « Integrity - Excellence Case Study Paper ASIAN ARCHITECTURE (ARC60403/ARC2234) Solutions to Homologous tower typology using staking Machiya as an approach in retracing vernacular identity in a Japanese Metropolitan context in Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center by Wee Xiang 0327152 Lee Czen Shing 0317832 Ryan Kerry Jee Jin Ying 0317832 Sharon Lim Yu Jung 0313377 Tan Wen Hao 0319923 Tang Pei Kei 0318545 Tutor: Miss AliaTABLE OF CONTENT 1.0 Abstract L.1 Abstract 1 1.2 Objectives 2 13 Methodology 3 1.4 Limitations 3 2.0 Introduction 45 3.0 ‘The Japanese Architecture Principle of OKU and Wabi-Sabi 6 4.0 Overview of Machiya 7-15 5.0 Site Interpretation 5.1 Laws, Regulations & Policies & Heights & Setbacks Factors 16 5.2 Surrounding Context 17-18 6.0 Retracing Vemacular Identity of Machiya in ACTIC 6.1 Height 19-23 6.2 Form 24-28 6.3 Material 29-33 7.0 Recommendation & Discussion 34 8.0 Conclusion 35 9.0 References 36-371.1 Abstract This research paper oriented to discover the solution of stacking Machiya against homologous tower typology in retracing vemacular identity in a Japanese metropolitan context of Tokyo. In Tokyo, buildings are correspondingly losing their identity in an accelerating pace although being raised from a richly cultured background such as the Shoin, Edo, Shogunate era and more. Taking the precedents of international style and Modernism, templates are aptly being copied and placed in the vicinity, as a testimony of their power and affluence, But, this movement is critically erasing the roots of their identity, especially in architecture, which is one of the most proficient language in reflecting the epoch of a city. In order to dissect the issue comprehensively, Kengo Kuma's Asakusa Culture Tourism Inform: mn Center (ACTIC) is studied, as it is the the region's most demonstrated vernacular polemic that act against the current of anonymous Modernist towers, Thus, he dwells into the underlying charm of traditional Japanese architecture, from the humble Machiya, which means "townhouse", whereby the residents make a living from and live in since centuries ago. From a single Machiya, where the essence of vernacular Japanese architecture is extracted. He took a new approach in stacking these Machiya into tower, whereby each floor is different in every floor plan, elevation and section, introducing an organic relationship between form and function. Moreover, each floor is designed specifically to the targeted function along with a well-proportioned floor to ceiling height to frame specific views towards Asakusa, Materials and textures are selected in relation to the surrounding neighbourhood and reflecting the principles of Wabi-Sabi. Hence, it can be conclude that by revitalizing and redefining Machiya, a new tower typology that respects the vernacular identity without compromising the modem needs is established.