Naomi Pollock

The first book to present a comprehensive overview of postwar Japanese design For the Japanese, the concept of design is not limited to functionality or materiality--it is deeply connected with ancient culture and rituals. In this sense, a chair is much more than what you sit on, a cup more than what you drink from: these objects are to be reﬂected upon, to be touched and cherished. As mass manufacture became widespread in the post-war period, fascinating cross-cultural exchanges began to take place between Japan and the West. And in recent years, a new generation of designers has taken Japanese creativity into entirely new territory, reconceptualizing the very meaning of design. Showcasing over 80 designers, hundreds of objects, and contributions from both Japanese and Western designers inspired by Japan, this volume will remain the deﬁnitive work on the subject for many years to come.

Japanese Design Since 1945

Quirky, surprising and entertaining - with more than 400 houses, Jutaku is architecture at the speed of Japan. Frenetic. Pulsating. Disorienting. Japan's contemporary culture is constantly in flux. In stark contrast to the centuries old imperial architecture of Kyoto, recent Japanese architectural practices have ushered in an era of continuous experimentation. With 400 houses, one house per page, one image per house, Jutaku: Japanese Houses is a fast-paced, "quick hit" shock to the system that shines a Harajuku-bright neon light on the sheer volume, variety and novelty of contemporary Japanese residential architecture. Featuring the work of many of Japan's most famous architects including Shigeru Ban, Sou Fujimoto, Toyo Ito, Kengo Kuma, Jun Igarishi, Shuhei Endo and dozens of up and coming and completely unknown young architects, Jutaku is organized geographically taking readers on a bullet train journey across Japan's architectural landscape. Essential reading for architects, designers and fans of contemporary Japanese culture.

Jutaku: Japanese Houses

A survey of the most innovative new houses built in Japan.

Modern Japanese House

The first comprehensive monograph on Japan's most creative, experimental and visionary architect, Sou Fujimoto Occasionally an architect emerges whose vision is so fresh that it causes us to reconsider the very nature of architecture. Sou Fujimoto is one of those architects. Guided by instinct and keen observation, he casts convention aside. Instead he blurs boundaries and routinely rethinks basic building blocks. Both comfortably familiar and curiously enigmatic, Fujimoto's dynamic work grabs our attention then lingers on in our minds. Born and bred in Hokkaido, Fujimoto received his undergraduate degree in architecture from Tokyo University before embarking on an uncharted, solo exploration that probed the possibilities of architecture. Unfettered by the ideas and practices of others, Fujimoto's work has clarity of thought and purity of execution seldom seen. Fujimoto garnered significant international attention for his popular 2013 Serpentine Pavilion in London (Fujimoto was the youngest architect to receive the highly-regarded commission). In 2012 he was part of the Japanese team that won a Golden Lion award for Best National Participation at the Venice Architecture Biennale for their design of alternative housing concepts for the homes that were destroyed by the tsunami.

Sou Fujimoto

Hitoshi Abe (b. 1962) is one of the most important rising figures in contemporary Japanese architecture. After graduating from SCI-Arc in Los Angeles, he worked in the cutting-edge architecture practice Coop Himmelb(l)au before establishing his own studio, Atelier Hitoshi Abe, in Sendai, Japan. He has received international recognition for his bold architecture, and has taught at Tohoku Institute of Technology, University of California Berkeley and University of California Los Angeles. This is the first monograph on Hitoshi Abe to be published in English. Featuring 26 projects that include stadia, museums, bridges and private houses, each building is discussed in detail and accompanied by photographs, computer renderings and concept drawings.

Hitoshi Abe

A career-spanning monograph of the work of NUNO, one of Japan's most innovative and respected textile design studios.

Visionary Japanese Textiles

Nuno

The Evolution of the Dome from Hadrian to Charlemagne

4 Tokyo Houses : ADH Architects, Atelier Hitoshi Abe, Jun Aoki & Associates, Tezuka Architects. Vol. four

Planet Architecture

‘Made in Japan’ is a simple phrase, but one full of meaning. From kettles and cutlery to chairs, Japan creates some of the most innovative, elegant, whimsical and well-made objects in the world. Combining high aesthetic standards with cutting-edge technology, many of these designs turn everyday items into functional works of art that would look as good in a museum as on a kitchen counter. Made in Japan surveys 100 of the country’s recent design triumphs, among them furnishings, utensils, gadgets, clothing, office equipment and even a silent guitar. While the book features mainly mass-produced objects, it also includes one-off prototypes and limited-edition items that are immensely popular in Japan. Created specifically for the Japanese consumer, these products reflect the way people live, work and play in a country that prizes highly both exceptional craftsmanship and industrial perfection.

Naomi Pollock

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