Category Archives: Architecture

Japanese Pavilion at Venice Architecture Biennale 2012

“Architecture possible here? Home-for-All” is the title of Japan’s contribution to the 13th International Architecture Exhibition in Venice, Italy. The exhibition in the Venice Biennale’s Japanese Pavilion deals with the devastation the earthquake and tsunami of 2011 caused in East Japan. It shows photographs of the earthquake by Naoya Hatakeyama and alternative housing solutions for the people who lost their homes by the young japanese architects Kumiko Inui, Sou Fujimoto, and Akihisa Hirata. The Japanese Pavilion has been awarded the Golden Lion for Best National Participation at the 13th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. (Source: VernissageTV)

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Starbucks at a public library

Starbucks coffee will open its first store at a public library, “Takeo library” in Saga, Japan. Starbucks Japan has collaborated with the book store chain CCC, but never before with a public library. The store is expected to open in April 2013. You are allowed to bring any books to the cafe to read.

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100 Japanese Architectural Works

“100 Japanese Architectural Works From JA yearbooks” 1990-2011 has been published in digital form. It gives an overview of the past 22 years of Japanese modern architecture. It is avaialble both in English and Japanese, and works with all the digital platforms including IOS and ANDROID. You can purchase it here.

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Kionji temple by Waro Kishi

Kionji is a Zen temple located in Takarazuka, Hyogo, Japan. At a glance, it appears to be one of the typical traditional temples, but there is a modern innovative twist in order for one structure to contain all the functions: Main hall, reception hall, and the monk’s residence. Photo: Shigeo Ogata via http://k-associates.com A press release from WARO KISHI + K.ASSOCIATES/Architects ——————– This is a proposal for a Zen temple located in an old residential area in the suburb of Takarazuka city, near Osaka. All the primary functions of the institute: main hall, reception hall and the monksf residence are all to be renovated. However, the site is not large … Continue reading

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Kenzo Tange’s Yoyogi Olympic Arena

Kenzo Tange’s Yoyogi Olympic Arena by Harvard University design students. Via: Dezeen

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Transforming a bank into a “capsule hotel”

A “Capsule hotel” is a type of hotel, developed in Japan, that features a large number of extremely small “rooms” (capsules) intended to provide cheap and basic overnight accommodation for guests not requiring the services offered by more conventional hotels. Architect Yujin Hirase plans to transform an old bank into a “capsule hotel”. The upper part of the building will be used for a “cupsule hotel”, and the ground floor will be used for a cafe and restaurant. It is expected to be completed by 2014. Via: Kenplatz

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Lyon confluence by Kengo Kuma

Lyon confluence is an urban renewal project, which will redevelop Lyon’s industrial quarter and a dumping ground into attractive, environmentally friendly offices and apartments. Kengo Kuma was selected to be part of this project. He explains his idea.

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House in Chiharada by Studio Velocity

Studio Velocity (Kentaro Kurihara and Miho Iwatsuki) is an architect office located in Aichi, Japan. “House in Chiharada” is one of their latest works. Source: Shinkenchikusha

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Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is the world’s second tallest tower, and it will be open to the public on May 22nd. The height is 634 meters (2080 feet), surpassed only by the  828-meter Burj Khalifa in dubai, UAE. It is a communications tower, but also offers many attractions including restaurants, cafes, shops,  aquarium, and planetarium.

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Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center by Kengo Kuma

Kengo Kuma has designed the new Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center in Asakusa, Tokyo. The culture center has been open to the public since April 16th. The building has four conference rooms, a tourist information office, and an exhibition space. Photos from: machinami-no-chikara.doorblog.jp

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