To discuss Japanese architecture, this talk series is organized around five concepts unique to Japan: MA, KANE, HAI/KYO, IN/EI, and SUKI. Renowned Japanese architects and scholars will speak at each symposium about their ideas on architecture and the works they have produced. This series offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of Japanese architecture and its cultural concepts by featuring their insights, enriching your perspective on this distinctive architectural heritage through the lens of contemporary practice.
| October 29, 2024 |
「間」Ma: Time and Space in Japanese Architecture |
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The first session,「間」MA: Time and Space in Japanese Architecture, addresses the concept of MA, a Japanese concept that defines the interval or space between two entities, encompassing both temporal and spatial dimensions, and serves as a foundational principle in various aspects of art, architecture, and life. |
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| December 10, 2024 |
「矩」Nori: The Canon of Japanese Architecture |
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In Japanese architecture, the notion of 矩 (kane) serves as a guiding framework for practicing, norms and measurements are harmonized to create a unique aesthetic order. The speakers will talk about how this modular system affects the way they think and design. |
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| January 9, 2025 |
「廃墟」Hai/kyo: Destruction and Rebirth of Japanese Architecture |
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廃墟 (HAI/KYO) refers to ruins that embody the remnants of historical destruction caused by disasters such as earthquakes, fires, floods, and wars, while also symbolizing themes of rebirth, recovery, and the creation of new urban landscapes. |
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| April 2025 |
「陰影」In/Ei: Images of Japanese Architecture |
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陰影 (IN/EI) refers to the concept of shadows that highlights the importance of darkness as a vital element in representation, contrasting with the Western focus on light and clarity, and emphasizing the true essence of architecture and form. |
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| June 11, 2025 |
「数寄」Suki: Microcosm of Value |
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数寄 (SUKI) originally signified a love for poetry in the Heian period, but evolved to primarily denote the refined aesthetic and cultural appreciation associated with the tea ceremony, reflecting a nuanced relationship between art, architecture, and the appreciation of beauty. |
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Sponsors
Terasaki Center for Japanese Studies, Architecture and Urban Design, UCLA xLAB, Japan Foundation Los Angeles