Green Architecture in Japan: a Reflection of Societal Values
Defining Green Architecture
Man has been building structures since shortly after they began to emerge from caves and to explore areas outside his immediate vicinity. Many animals build structures, such as birds and beaver. Many of these structures are functional and serve only to offer protection from predators and the elements, and so it was with the first structures built by man. They were made from the limited building materials locally available and the emphasis was on functionality, little, if any thought was given to artistic form.
As society developed, so did his technology. Advances in technology allowed him more time to do other things than those related to survival. As this happened, man began to express his emotions through art. Architectural design encompasses more than simply piecing together a few I-beams and concrete. It involves building for humankind. No where is this idea more pronounced than in Japan.
In Eastern cultures there is more of an emphasis on the interconnectivity between everything in the universe. They believe that all things, both ethereal and concrete, are interdependent in a complex symbiosis that only the Gods can understand. This harmony is reflected in every social aspect of life, including their architecture. Many now refer to this concept as "green architecture" which simply means building in a way that is in harmony to nature, as opposed to being superimposed on it. This research will demonstrate through example how green architecture in Japan is a direct result of traditional elements found in Japanese religion and culture.
Defining Green Architecture
The Eisaku Ushida and Kathryn Findlay studio is known for its work in the field of architecture as a reflection of regional landscape elements and influences of habitat, nature and technology on human psychology1 This studio takes the idea of green architecture to the next level. Many consider themselves to be "green architects" simply because they encompass a few elements of energy conservation and curved lines. Many architects try to "tame nature." The Ushida-Findlay studio takes the opposite approach and tries to tame technology instead.2 They have given a new definition the term green architecture.
As in Japanese gardening, Japanese architecture now seeks to create a miniature version of the nature surrounding it. A building in the city stays with this same principle and represents a miniature version of the city surrounding it. Like the city, each house has personal, more intimate spaces like the bedroom, where the person can envelope themselves in a protective cocoon, free from the outside world. It also contains public spaces, where the larger ideals of society can be captured. Modern designers tend to ignore these principles and see a building or wall, simply as an interruption to the smooth flow of traffic.3
In America, cities grew in sections, often thought was given only to that particular section and the immediate planned use. Anyone who has ever tried to drive to the various disjointed grid sections of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania will attest to this. This same principle was also reflected in the building styles as well. Buildings were designed from the outside in, instead of from the inside out, taking into consideration the surrounding area. According to Wines, giving
1. James Wines. Two Houses from Green Architecture. Architecture Week. 2001. http://www.architectureweek.com/2001/0516/environment_1-1.html (October,2002).
2. Wines. Two Houses from Green Architecture.2001.
3. Wines. Two Houses from Green Architecture.2001.
A consideration to the microcosm of the building will give the occupants more control to design their working and living environments to meet their particular needs.
The highlight of the Ushida-Findlay design studio encompasses the ideals that they are trying to convey. In 1994, the built the "soft and hairy" (Warm and Fuzzy) house for a young couple in Tsukuba City near Tokyo.5 This house was quite unconventional in design and causes one to step back and ponder for a moment. Gone are the harsh wall corners and square rooms. Instead one finds themselves in a world of curves that resemble biology more than geometry. It is difficult to describe in terms familiar to architecture. "Organic" is the best description that can be used to describe it. The floor plan of the "Soft and Fuzzy"(pictured below) says it best. Notice the shapes that remind us of conch shells, or perhaps ocean waves. There is even a shape the looks like human fetus is the womb, reminding us of the protection of the mother. To call this design a diversion from the concepts of Modern Western architectural design would be an 5. Wines. Two Houses from Green Architecture.2001.
Decreased Usage of Nuclear Energy: Qualitative-Content Analysis ADissertation Presentedusing the Qualitative Content-Analysis inPartial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor ofManagement in Environmental and Social Sustainability Komi Emmanuel Fiagbe Gbedegan Caroline WesterhofPH-D Chair Dr. Daphne DeporresPH-D Committee Member Dr. Steven Munkeby, PH-D Committee Member Date Approved Komi Emmanuel Fiagbe Gbedegan, 2016 A qualitative content analysis will be conducted to explore the phenomenon of decreased usage of nuclear energy at a time when global climate change indicates the
Management Research in Decreased Usage of Nuclear Energy: Content Analysis A Dissertation Presented using the Qualitative Content-Analysis Komi Emmanuel Fiagbe Gbedegan Caroline Westerhof PH-D, Chair Dr. Steven Munkeby PH-D, Committee Member Dr. Daphne Deporres PH-D Committee Member Date Approved Komi Emmanuel Fiagbe Gbedegan, 2016 A qualitative content analysis has been conducted to explore the phenomenon of decreased usage of nuclear energy at a time when global climate change indicates the need for increased usage of nuclear energy.
Decreased Usage of Nuclear Energy: A Qualitative Content Analysis A Dissertation Presented using the Qualitative Content-Analysis Komi Emmanuel Fiagbe Gbedegan Christina Anastasia PH-D, Chair [Committee Name], [Degree], Committee Member [Committee Name], [Degree], Committee Member Date Approved Komi Emmanuel Fiagbe Gbedegan, 2016 A qualitative content analysis will be conducted to explore the phenomenon of decreased usage of nuclear energy at a time when global climate change indicates the need for increased usage of nuclear energy. Qualitative analysis involves obtained
Decreased Usage of Nuclear Energy: A Qualitative Content Analysis A Dissertation Presented using the Qualitative Content-Analysis Komi Emmanuel Fiagbe Gbedegan Christina Anastasia PH-D, Chair [Committee Name], [Degree], Committee Member [Committee Name], [Degree], Committee Member Date Approved Komi Emmanuel Fiagbe Gbedegan, 2016 This research proposal explores the phenomenon of decreased usage of nuclear energy at a time when global climate change indicates the need for increased usage of nuclear energy. First, nuclear energy is declining in its share of
Decreased Usage of Nuclear Energy: A Qualitative Content Analysis A Dissertation Presented using the Qualitative Content-Analysis Komi Emmanuel Fiagbe Gbedegan Christina Anastasia PH-D, Chair [Committee Name], [Degree], Committee Member [Committee Name], [Degree], Committee Member Date Approved Komi Emmanuel Fiagbe Gbedegan, 2016 This research proposal explores the phenomenon of decreased usage of nuclear energy at a time when global climate change indicates the need for increased usage of nuclear energy. First, nuclear energy is declining in its share of
Meta-Analysis of Nuclear Energy and Waste Disposal in Social Sustainability A Dissertation Presented using the Meta-Analysis Technique Komi Emmanuel Fiagbe Gbedegan Christina Anastasia PH-D, Chair [Committee Name], [Degree], Committee Member [Committee Name], [Degree], Committee Member Date Approved Komi Emmanuel Fiagbe Gbedegan, 2016 This research proposal explores the link between public perceptions of nuclear power, how those perceptions are formed, and what influence those opinions have on energy policy. These issues are important in light of two realities.
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