JA 117, Spring 2020

JA 117 features Kunio Maekawa (1905-1986). Kunio Maekawa’s work has established a Japanese architectural identity within the context of modernism. His work is therefore intricately intertwined with both modernism and Japaneseness. Based on this idea of the Belgian architect Hera Van Sande, who serves as guest editor, this issue approaches Kunio Maekawa’s work from the following four aspects. First, the influence of Le Corbusier’s thought on Maekawa within the realm of modernism. Second, Kunio Maekawa’s method for sublimating the unique spatial characteristics of Japanese traditional architecture into his own architecture. Third, his synthesizing stance that advocates the transcendence of modernism and localism. And finally, Maekawa’s liberated design approach which leads to natural and peaceful spaces. Through Van Sande’s four essays on these themes, a dialog with Hiroshi Matsukuma, and 22 works featured in this issue, we get a closer look at the architect Kunio Maekawa. Text in English and Japanese.