Japanese Architecture

JAPANESE ARCHITECTURE

• Characterized by a synthesis of ideas from China and native conditions producing a distinct style

• Light, delicate, and refined.

• Buildings were traditionally built in wood - in part because of the abundance of timber and due to the material's relatively good resistance to earthquakes.

Geographical Influence

1. Island Nation: Japan's geographic location as an island has made it relatively isolated, allowing for the development of a distinct architectural style while also absorbing influences through trade and travel, especially from China and Korea.

2. Mountainous Terrain: With over 70% of the country being mountainous, much of the population has historically been concentrated in plains and coastal areas. This has influenced urban planning and the adaptation of structures to fit into natural landscapes, with terraces, elevated platforms, and compact designs.

3. Earthquake-Prone: Japan sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, resulting in frequent earthquakes. This has led to architectural innovations focused on flexibility and resilience, such as the

Geological Influence

1. Volcanic Activity

Japan's volcanic geology has influenced both the materials used in construction and the layout of cities.

Lava stones and other volcanic materials are sometimes used in buildings.

Additionally, the terrain is highly dynamic, requiring architecture to adapt to constant geological changes.

2.  Hot Springs

The abundance of natural hot springs (onsen) due to volcanic activity has led to the construction of specialized bathhouses (onsen architecture) that often blend harmoniously with nature, emphasizing tranquility and natural materials like wood and stone.

Climatic Influence

• Seasonal Extremes: Japan experiences a wide range of climates, from humid summers to cold winters, which has necessitated the development of architecture that adapts to these extremes.

• Traditional houses, such as machiya and minka, feature sliding doors (fusuma and shoji) and tatami flooring to accommodate ventilation during summer and insulation during winter.

Machiya

• Also called Townhouse 

• are traditional wooden townhouses found throughout Japan and typified in the historical capital of Kyoto.

Minka

• Also called "House of the people"

• A vernacular houses constructed in any one of several traditional Japanese building styles..

Climatic Influence

• Typhoons: The risk of typhoons has also influenced the need for sturdy but flexible structures.

• Historically, this has led to the use of heavy roofs and overhanging eaves to protect the interiors from rain and strong winds.

• Rainfall: Japan's high humidity and heavy rainfall have affected building materials and design. The use of elevated platforms (engawa) and large, sloping roofs helps protect buildings from water damage.

Historical Influence

• Nara and Heian Periods (710-1185): Early Japanese architecture was heavily influenced by Chinese styles, particularly during the Nara period, when Buddhism was established in Japan.

• The old capital city of Nara was modeled after the Chinese Tang dynasty capital, and many early Buddhist temples, such as Todai-ji, reflect Chinese influence.

• Feudal Period (1185-1603): During this time, the samurai class dominated, and castle architecture became prominent.

• Japanese castles (e.g., Himeji Castle) were built for defense, with complex layouts, stone bases, and wooden structures.

• Residential architecture also evolved, with tatami rooms and sliding doors becoming widespread.

• Edo Period (1603-1868): The Edo period saw the rise of the machiya (traditional townhouses) and sukiya-zukuri (a refined architectural style associated with tea ceremonies).

• Architecture during this time was marked by elegance, attention to detail, and the use of natural materials.

• Modern Period (1868-present): Japan's modernization, particularly after the Meiji Restoration (1868), led to the incorporation of Western architectural techniques and materials.

• However, there has been a strong movement to blend modernity with traditional Japanese aesthetics, resulting in contemporary designs that emphasize simplicity, harmony, and the integration of nature (e.g., the work of architects like Tadao Ando and Kengo Kuma).

Religious Influence

Shintoism

"Way of the Gods." The natural physical and supernatural transcendent world are both part of a single unified creation; holding the ideal of a life that is in harmony with and united with nature.

• Shintoism: As Japan's indigenous religion, Shintoism has had a profound impact on its architecture, particularly in the design of shrines (jinja).

• Shinto architecture emphasizes simplicity, harmony with nature, and the use of natural materials such as wood.

• The torii gate, which marks the entrance to a sacred space, is one of the most iconic symbols of Shinto architecture.

Shinto Shrine

Torii

The torii of Itsukushima (Miyajima) Shrine.

• Monumental freestanding gateway on the approach to a Shinto shrine.

• Two pillars connected at the top by a horizontal crosspiece and a lintel above it.

Shimmei-zukuri

• Style of Shinto shrine embodying the original style of Japanese building.

• Rectangular plan raised on posts, surrounded by a railed veranda, with a free-standing post at each gable end.

Honden

Munakata Grand Shrine

• The most sacred building at a Shinto shrine, intended purely for the use of the enshrined kami, usually symbolized by a mirror or sometimes by a statue.

Ise Jingu (Ise Shrine)

The Ise Jingu consists of two shrines:

• Outer Shrine (Geku), which is dedicated to Toyouke, the Shinto deity of clothing, food and housing.

• Inner Shrine (Naiku), which enshrines the most venerated deity Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess.

Naiku, innermost shrine for Amaterasu. (Rebuilt every 20 years; Unlike most other Shinto shrines, the Ise Shrines are built in a a purely Japanese architecture style which shows almost no influence from the Asian mainland.)

Shikinen sengu, the ritual process of rebuilding the Ise every twenty years.

Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima Prefecture. (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Izumo Taisha. (Shimane Prefecture) Characterized by a raised floor and thick wooden columns, reflecting early Japanese architecture before the influence of Buddhism.

Religious Influence

• Buddhism: Introduced from China and Korea in the 6th centur y Buddhism brought new architectural styles, such as pagodas and temples.

• Zen Buddhism, in par tcular, influenced minimalist architecture and the creation of serene spaces like the rock garden.

BUDDHIST TEMPLE

• Kodo, assembly hall for monks for reading sacred texts.

• To, Japanese pagoda enshrining Buddha relics.

• Kondo, Golden Hall; sanctuary where the main image of worship is kept.

• Chumon, inner gateway to the precinct.

• Kairo, covered gallery surrounding the precinct.

• Sorin, crowning spire on a Japanese pagoda.

Horyuji Temple, Nara. (One of the oldest surviving wooden buildings in the world; Oldest existing temple complex in Japan)

To

• Japanese pagoda, also butto or toba.

• Central structure of a Buddhist compound.

The Serene Temple of Silver Pavilion, Kyoto (Ginkaku-ji). Formally referred to as Jisho-ji. Designated by UNESCO as World Herritage Site in 1994, and an official National Treasure of Japan.

The Golden Pavilion, Kyoto. (Kinkaku-ji; Built by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, a Zen Temple.)

Todai-ji Temple (“Great Eatern Temple”), Nara. Constructed during the Nara period (8th century), it is famous for housing the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) statue.

Karensansui. Japanese Rock Garden

Religious Influence

• Syncretism: Many buildings in Japan, particularly shrines and temples, show a blend of Shinto and Buddhist elements, reflecting Japan's syncretic religious history.

Shinbutsu-shūgō

• Also called Shinbutsu-konkō

• Is the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism that was Japan's main organized religion up until the Meiji period.

Castle Architecture

Himeji Castle (also know as White Heron Castle) - Hyogo Prefecture. The largest castle in Japan, with over 80 original buildings with numerous walkways and courtyards connecting them. A UNESCO world Heritage Site.

• Completed in 1609, it is a classic example of Japanese castle architecture. The complex multi-layered layout, strategic defensive structures, and aesthetic beauty make it one of Japan's most iconic castles. Its white plaster walls, designed for fire resistance, give it the nickname "White Heron Castle."

Matsumoto Castle. Nagano (Matsumoto-jo or “Crow Castle”) Designated as National Historic Site of Japan in 1930. One of the original 12 castles in Japan.

Imperial Palaces

Shinden-zukuri

• The shinden-zukuri is a style of architecture that f burished in the Heian period with open layouts, raised floors, and large gardens to reflect the aristocratic life of the time.

Heian Imperial Palace, Kyoto. Sample of Shinden-zukuri Style

Domestic Architecture

• Tana, a recess with built-in shelving.

• Tatami, straw mats used as floor coverings (about 3'x6')

• Tokobashira, post marking the partition between the tokonoma and the tana.

• Engawa, extension of the floor, usually facing a garden; serves as a passageway or sitting place.

• Kakemono, a vertical hanging scroll containing either text or a painting

• Zashiki, reception room. (Main room in a traditional Japanese house for receiving guests.)

Shoin

• Meaning "writing hall."

• A new type of residential architecture

• Features the proportioning system of using tatami mats (about 1x2 yards in size).

Chashitsu

• Teahouses 

• Venue for tea ceremony

• Roji, ornamental garden adjacent to the teahouse.

Proportioning System

Ken

• A linear unit for regulating column spacing in traditional Japanese construction. Initially equal to 6 shaku (1.818 meters); later varied according to the tatami mats (approximately 3' x 6').

• The size of a room is designated by the number of its floor mats (tatami).

Particular Methods and Characteristics

Wooden Construction

• Primar Material: Wood, especially Japanese cypress (hinoki), was the main material due to its flexibility, resistance to earthquakes, and abundant availability.

• Post-and-Lintel System: Ancient Japanese buildings used a simple post-and-lintel construction method, where horizontal beams rest on vertical posts. This allowed for open spaces and flexibility, which was ideal in earthquake-prone regions.

Complex Joinery Techniques

• No Nails: Traditional Japanese carpentry employed sophisticated joinery techniques that avoided nails. Instead, intricate wood joints and dowels were used to connect parts of the structure, allowing for flexibility and durability.

• Earthquake Resistance: The elasticity of wood and advanced joinery made the buildings flexible enough to withstand seismic activity.

Tatami and Modular Spaces

• Tatami Mats: The use of tatami mats determined room sizes in traditional Japanese homes. Tatami-covered rooms, or washitsu, were adaptable spaces used for various activities.

• Sliding Doors (Fusuma and Shoji): This allowed rooms to be reconfigured according to need. These doors also allowed for interaction with the outdoors, creating a seamless transition between inside and outside spaces.

Fusuma. Traditional Japanese room separators are constructed with paper or cloth in wooden frames. Often opaque.

Shoji. Traditional Japanese room dividers and windows consist of translucent paper in a wooden lattice frame.

Raised Floors

• Protection Against Humidity: Many ancient buildings, particularly Shinto shrines, were built on raised platforms to protect them from moisture and improve air circulation, essential in Japan's humid climate.

Ornaments and Decorative Elements

Minimalist Ornamentation

Zen Aesthetics:

• Zen Buddhism influenced a restrained, minimalist approach to decoration, emphasizing simplicity and natural materials.

• Decoration was subtle, with an emphasis on space and emptiness as a form of beauty.

Pagodas and Religious Symbols

Pagodas

• The pagoda's design symbolized the five elements: earth, water, fire, wind, and sky.

Torii Gates

• Symbolized the transition from the mundane to the sacred. Made of wood or stone, torii gates were often unpainted or painted in bright vermillion.

Carvings and Paintings

Intricate Wood Carvings

• Temples and shrines were often adorned with carved wooden panels depicting animals, flowers, or religious symbols.

• Notable examples include the Three Wise Monkeys carving at Toshogu Shrine in Nikko.

Screen Paintings

• Fusuma (sliding doors) and folding screens (byobu) often featured painted scenes of nature, landscapes, and seasonal motifs.

• These paintings were created by renowned artists and contributed to the overall atmosphere of the space.

Natural Color

• Many ancient buildings, especially those influenced by Shinto, used natural colors to reflect harmony with the surrounding environment. Wood was often left untreated to weather naturally.

Gold Leaf

• In more opulent structures like Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), gold leaf was used to cover the exteriors, symbolizing wealth and divinity..

Guardian Statues

Komainu

• Lion Dog

• Found at the entrances of Shinto shrines, these stone or bronze guardians were symbolic protectors, meant to ward off evil spirits.

QUICK RECAP: JAPANESE

• Influenced by Chinese culture

• Light, delicate, and refined; wood construction.

• Shinto: Shimmei-zukuri, Ise Shrine Complex

• Buddhism: Pagoda, to; Horyu-ji Temple, Golden Pavillion

• Domestic Architecture: Shoin