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Spatiality in
Contemporary
Japanese
Housing
Sean McMahon:
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Spatiality in Contemporary Japanese Housing
Lower Pool Elective Semester 2 2009
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In Japan there is a somewhat different approach to the understanding/ conception of
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space particularly with regard to the mapping and drawing of space. I’m interested in how
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we can engage, learn from and utilise these approaches and thereby employ ideas from
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Japan in the production of buildings.
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For many reasons Japanese designers often utilize/exploit usefully the entire volume
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of a building, how can we adapt/learn from this approach in development of the spatial
ity of our buildings? In exploring these ideas I would ask that students consider/develop
their own strategies for spatial manipulation in their buildings via a detailed exploration of
precedent work through drawing, plan, section, elevation and model making with the aim
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of translating these investigations into their design proposals in studio.
I would like students to gain exposure to some of the lesserknown Japanese architects.
We will also look at typical mass/bulk builder apartments, work that is generally done
more inventively in Japan than in Australia with the aim of gaining an insight into space
planning/utilisation in more generic building types.
We will be dealing with basic conceptual ideas regarding planning and spatial manipula
tion. The elective will aim to emphasize the development of skills relevant to design deci
sion making and representation/communication.
The Natural Ellipse House by Endoh & Ikeda Nguyen Trong Hiep
3
Heading
Second Plate by Hiroyuki Arima
C1 House by Miligram Studio Shann Ching Pei Yong
4
White Cave by Takao Shiotsuka
Kunitachi House by Plannetworks Shann Ching Pei Yong
1
Log House by Sou Fujimoto Chun Yik Kho
2
Apartment I by Kumiko Inui
Vanilla House by Tomomasa Ueda Chun Yik Kho
3
Paper House by Shigeru Ban
House in Base Valley by Sambuichi Architects Ashley Mackey
4
Roof House by Tezuka Architects
!"#$%&'(&)*+,%&-.&/#00"$%&1%$'2(&)345%& Ashley Mackey
5
Paper House by Shigeru Ban Harris Kwong
6
4x4 by Tadao Ando Harris Kwong
7
7 4 7
5 6
1 2 3
Plastic House by Kengo Kuma Jackie Song Yi
8
I house by Katsufumi Kubota Jackie Song Yi
9
House in a Plum Grove by Sejima Rhoda Wee
10
Natural Strata by Ikeda & Endoh Rhoda Wee
11
House with Northern Windows by Keshi & Yuka Komada Nguyen Trong Hiep
12
Y House by Irie & Ikeda Nguyen Trong Hiep
13
Ahron Best
14
Ring House by TNA Ahron Best
15
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House in a Plum Grove by SANNA Jelana Modrinic
16
6%7%5*'"(&"3&+&8'(%9+:&-.&;*%:'%9&<%,#*" Joshua Walker
Rooftecture S by Shuhei Endo Joshua Walker
17
Masaki Endoh + Masahiro Ikeda
Natural Ellipse
Tokyo, Japan
132m2
Living, WC
MODEL PHOTOS
4x4 House by Tadao Ando Jason Gec
18
Scale 1:200 volumes are not articulated in this house as they seem to be
embedded in the structure. The gallery, to the bottom right, is dark
and rigid space.
Kengo Kuma Plastic House Jason Gec
19
With Thanks to:
Pia EdnieBrown (Course Coordinator)
Contributing Students:
Ahron Best
Jason Gec
Chun Yik Kho
Harris Kwong
Ashley Mackey
Jelena Modrinic
Nguyen Trong Heip
Jackie Song Yi
Josh Walker
Rhoda Wee
Shann Ching Pei Yong
Elective Pamphlets
Title: Spatiality in Contemporary Japanese Housing
Tutor: Sean McMahon
Pole: Urban Architecture
Date: Semester 2, 2009
This and other documented examples of elective subjects
run as part of the RMIT University Architecture program
can be found on issuu.com