Further Research

Having criticized some of Shin Takamatsu's work I still believe that he gave rise to new Japanese architects who were no doubt inspired by his designs. I was looking on the net and came across some truly remarkable designs by other Japanese architects.

Below are some of the images I collected.

The Nakagin Capsule Tower 1972 by Kisho Kurokawa.

The Aoyama Technical College 1990 by Makoto Sei Watanabe.

The Iceberg 2006 by CDI

What I feel is effective and not so effective with Shin Takamatsu's designs

PROS

I believe that Shin Takamatsu's designs are effective because they are unique and interesting to look at. All of his projects that i've seen are all different from one another, which demonstrates that Shin Takamatsu is both a skilled and diverse architect. Some of his projects utilise strong horizontal and vertical edges and surfaces, and others are completely organic with flowing curves. Others seem to harmoniously harbour both these contrasting aspects of design. Some buildings appear at first glance to be unusual spaceships or perhaps a building that may only be seen in a film such as Judge Dredd or Blade Runner, others on the other hand seem more sculptural. His building usually have that futuristic characteristic which makes them all the more bizarre and interesting. His buildings were some of the first to split away from typical industrial technological architecture. His earlier designs certainly did incorporate the typical design of Japanese architecture, yet he injected something extra, which was modernity and ambiguity.

CONS

I would say however that his earlier works have become a little dated and were almost simple block designs. His designs perhaps were not refined enough and he was a little too reliant on concrete. He should have considered slightly more interesting shapes with more of an emphasis on glass so that his earlier buildings could have survived. This was perhaps why a few of his projects have since been demolished as they were probably too dull for today's standards. Some of his designs appeared to look impractical in as far as space and function.

Shin Takamatsu's Designs

Below are various images of Shin Takamatsu's Architectural designs.

The JC Tower, Danshui, Taipei.Below is a photograph of the Tianjin History Museum in China, completed in 2004.Below are various photographs of the Motoakasaka Imanishi Building, built in 1992.Below is a photograph of the Octagon building.Below is a photograph of the Kirin Headquarters in Kirin Plaza, Osaka, built in 1987.

Below is a photograph of the Syntax building, built in 1990.

List of Shin Takamatsu's Work/ Project's

• Origin I, II, III, Kyoto 1980-1986.
• Ark (dental clinic), Kyoto, 1983.
• Pharaoh (dental clinic) Kyoto, 1983.
• Kirin Plaza, Osaka, 1987 (demolished).
• Solaris, Amagasaki, 1990.
• Syntax, Kyoto, 1990 (demolished).
• Zeus, Nima Sand Mueseum, Nima, Shimane, 1990.
• Kunibiki Messe Hall, Shimane, 1990 - 1993.
• Kirin Headquarters, Chuo, Tokyo, 1990 - 1995.
• Shoji Ueda Museum of Photography, Hoki, Tottori, 1993 - 1995.
• Quasar Building Berlin, 1994.
• Shikatsu Community Centre, Shikatsu, Aichi, 2000.
• National Theater Okinawa, Urasoe, Okinawa 2003.

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.

Christmas Project: Additional Inspiration/ Research

I was instructed by the tutors at college to undertake a small Christmas break project which would benefit my work. They recommended that all the students should complete this small assignment as it would help us to broaden our inspiration catalogue so that our designs are more unique and stand out from the crowd.

We were given a list of source material that we may find interesting. The list comprised of various individuals affiliated with completely different industries to that of animation. For instance, writers, film makers, photographers, architects, painters, fashion artists, graphic artists etc.

Amongst the long list where various individuals and areas I wanted to look in to. However one name caught my eye, Shin Takamatsu, a Japanese Architect.