Shin Takamatsu

Shin Takamatsu was born on August the 5th 1948. He is a leading Japanese Architect and professor at Kyoto University. His buildings are well known for being unique and futuristic. Takamatsu's architecture uses both anthropomorphic and mechanical design.

Below is a photograph of Shin Takamatsu himself.

I chose Shin Takamatsu as I have always been interested in architecture as my mother and my uncle work together in a small company of architects. In addition, two years ago whilst on holiday during the Christmas break in Thailand, I came across this huge book store in a vast shopping mall in Bangkok. I was looking through many books, from concept design, to 3D modelling, to Manga. But I also picked up a few books on architecture. This Japanese Architecture book was literally mind blowing. Some of the designs looked so futuristic and out of this world. Many designs had organic structures that were seemingly impossible to build or even remain standing. This book of Japanese architecture was really fascinating and reminded me of various works by Santiago Calatrava. (A few of his works have been posted within my other blog: Chop - Shop Environment/ Interior Design Project).

This book I came across made me realise that truly amazing master pieces of engineering exist that I had not even thought possible. This book also demonstrated how, particularly Japanese architects were really "pushing the boat out" when it came to architectural design. I must admit I do not tend to look at much architecture for inspiration in my work. I saw this particular individual as an opportunity to learn more about an area which I usually do not turn to for inspirational material/ reference.