Abstract
This in-depth paper explores the architecture of Japan from ancient times to the present day which has changed drastically. The writer discusses how Buddhism as a religion entered Japan and brought with it the architectural influences of the Chinese and Korean cultures which Japan adopted and made its own. While these historical monuments still remain and are cherished this form and material of their creation are no longer used. This paper examines the architectural artistry in Japan which is described as a dynamic art form that reflects the society and era in which it was introduced. Topics covered in this report include: Thesis Statement Abstract Influences Background Analysis Conclusion Thesis Support References

From the Paper
"Under the influence of the West, modern Japanese architecture has come to regard rigid, steel-frame concrete-stiffened construction as the exemplar. Not only is the idea of balancing poles quite alien to this rigid style of construction, but, more fundamentally, this tradition, which regards a building as semi-permanent and therefore fixed and immutable, simply cannot accommodate the notion of a structure that moves about. Symbolically it is possible to present that the hanging pillar represents the final stage in the evolution of the shinbashira as a religious symbol. If the anchored pillar is seen as representing the gods dwelling within the earth and the pillar on a stone base as representing the gods on the earth, the suspended pillar may be taken to represent the gods of the skies."

Tags:japan, asia, history, structure, religion, buddhism, architecture, culture

Abstract
This paper discusses the concept of green architecture which simply means building in a way that is in harmony to nature, as opposed to being superimposed on it. This research demonstrates through example how green architecture in Japan is a direct result of traditional elements found in Japanese religion and culture. The paper provides examples of different "green" architects and some of their works.

Table of Contents

Defining Green Architecture
An Overview of Japanese Philosophy
Building Material for Green Architecture
Environmental Psychology
Blending the Old with the New
Conclusion
Bibliography

From the Paper
"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."

Tags:building, structures, harmony, nature, oriental, shinto, feng, shui, environmental, psychology

Abstract
This paper discusses the building materials in Japanese architecture, including the use of wood and the Metabolists. The paper explains how the Japanese cultural expression is found in its architecture and choice of materials.

From the Paper
"Japan is an ancient society with a unique culture and history and a distinctly Japanese architectural style. In general, architectural styles and specifically the building materials used in a country region or a culture's man made structures reflect available materials. In Italy and ancient Greece, for example, the presence of vast caches of marble and limestone led to the development of temples, civic structures and private residences made of these substances. In Japan, wood was used extensively in the..."

Tags:architecture, Japan, castles, Metabolists

Abstract
The paper relates that the Chinese culture is masterful at making and shaping beautiful arts and crafts with their hands (Chow 37) and this artistry is also seen in Chinese architecture, which has inspired architecture globally. In fact, the paper reveals that Chinese architecture influenced many temples in Kyoto, Japan (see Appendix A) and had a major affect on the architectural style of renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright before he developed his own unique style (37). The paper points out that a distinguishing characteristic of Chinese architecture is that it contains many structures that are not joined together with nails, but are linked together by properly carved matching connections to provide strength and binding to the building. The paper discusses how this concept has also been adopted by modern Western architecture in the construction of columns and mobile partitions in various rooms and halls. The paper notes that Chinese architecture is also traditionally very colorful.

From the Paper
"The Chinese culture is masterful at making and shaping beautiful arts and crafts with their hands (Chow 37). This artistry is also seen in Chinese..."

Tags:chinese, architecture, modern

Abstract
This paper discusses the systems theory as understood and expressed in comparative architectural design history. It offers the theories of the Archigram in the West and the Metabolism Movement in Japan to qualify the author's discussion.

From the Paper
"The objective of systems thinking is a methodology to solve problems. It follows two basic premises first that reality is regarded in terms of wholes. Gestalten' and that the environment is an ..."

Tags:Archigram, Metabolist, architecture, systems thinking, obsolete, technological focus

Abstract
A look at changes in architectural design. The author focuses on the way architecture reflects culture with focus on the Horyuji temple in Japan which expresses the culture of the time in which it was built.

From the Paper
"Throughout history, architectural design has undergone progressive changes in style based on a variety of factors. One of the most significant transitional phases in Japan includes the Asuka period in which Buddhism dramatically influenced the essence of the dialectic between form and function. A prime example of this profound style is the Horyuji Temple. Although the relationship between Buddhist philosophy and architectural design is unquestioned throughout this period, the origins of this relationship are intriguing. What factors led to the development of the Buddhist influenced structures? How significant are the features of the Horyuji in creating allusions to Buddhist ideology? To what extent is the Horyuji Temple "Japanese" versus Buddhist?"

Tags:buddism, horyuji, shintoism, temple

Abstract
The paper discusses Japanese art, largely influenced by Zen Buddhism, which has left its mark in white and black ink art, buildings, gardens, and the graphics in the tea-ceremony rooms. The paper mentions the Horyu-ji Temple as the first and finest example of the use of Korean and Chinese Buddhism in Japan. The paper also makes reference to the art of Jomon culture and the Kofun or Tumulus period and notes that it was in the mid-sixth century that Buddhism reached Japan. The paper highlights the concepts of Buddhism and states that its culture was introduced by Korea into Japan. This began Japan's first cultural awakening and the history of what today is recognized as Japanese art.

From the Paper
"The Shaka Triad is one of the oldest bronze images. It is located in the Golden Hall. It is six feet tall and was designed by the the famous sculptor Tori Busshi. Its image displays the Buddha Shakyamuni sitting between two Bodhisattvas. The Shaka has his legs crossed. His hands are placed in one of a number of mudras. "He has a protuberance on his head and a third eye that indicate extraordinary knowledge and vision and are among some twenty three bodily signs introduced by the Mahayana Buddhist to indicate [shaka's] superhuman qualities" (Varley, 1984:26). The empress Suiko asked Tori Busshi to make the statue after Shotoku Taishi, the leader of Horyu-ji, died. "

Tags:religious, political, conflict, architectural, doctrinal

Abstract
The traditional Japanese home is based on Ma - the balance between space and objects. The space is divided by shoji screens, which slide on wooden tracks and can be detached to let the outside in. This paper discusses the history of shoji screens and how it influenced western design.

From the Paper
"Shoji has been used in modern Western homes in various ways. Large pane windows with unpleasant views are roofed with shoji to improve the overall appearance. Walls are covered with shoji to increase the sense of spaciousness as well as to add more light through the screen's natural reflecting qualities. A pair of shoji sliding doors is ideal for bathrooms, and space-saving shoji doors function as a closet. For the bathroom, waterproof material often is built-in with the shoji."

Tags:tatami, mats, Commodore, Perry, architecture

Abstract
This paper explains how Wright was a highly innovative influence on modern architecture. It examines how his designs were influenced by current day events as well as by his travels to Europe and Japan. In particular, it describes the Robie House, Prairie style homes, Taliesin, Imperial Hotel, Hollyhock House, Fallingwater, Marin County Civic Center, and Guggenheim Museum.

From the Paper
"In 1911, Wright moved to Wisconsin and built a home for himself and his mistress that he named Taliesin. In the architectural design for Taliesin, Wright included concepts from organic architecture. Organic architecture is a type of architecture that promotes harmony between man and nature through design. Organic architectural designs integrate the building and its furnishings into its surroundings. Wright accomplished this at Taliesin by constructing the chimneys and stone piers out of a local limestone which was laid by stonemasons in the house in a way that reflected the outcroppings of Wisconsin's landscape. Wright also used sand from the Wisconsin River in the house's stucco walls to bring to mind the river's sandbars."

Tags:guggenheim, taliesin, fallingwater

From the Paper
"Every 20 years, for 1200 years, the fences and main buildings of the Ise Shrine have been completely rebuilt. The shrine, which is the center of Shinto worship in Japan, is of major importance in Japanese history. It represents the continuity and renewal of Shinto, of the authority of the imperial house, and of the traditions underlying Japanese architecture. In a tradition where wood, rather than stone, was always the principal building material, such a form of renewal is the only way that the shrine compound could have survived into the twentieth century. But the renewal means many things and the Ise shrine can only be understood when it is seen as the center of a complex interaction among power, religion, and aesthetics. It can only be fully appreciated, however, as an instance of a perfect blend of materials, forms, and site created as a tribute ..."