Ja 117: Kunio Maekawa

Based on the ideas of the Belgian architect and guest editor Hera Van Sande, this issue approaches Kunio Maekawa’s work from the following four aspect:

• First, the influence of Le Corbusier’s ideas on Maekawa in terms of modernism.
• Secondly, the sublimating of the spatial characteristics inherent in traditional Japanese architecture into Maekawa’s own architecture.
• Thirdly, Maekawa’s advocating of the transcendence of modernism and localism. Finally, the liberating design approach that Maekawa arrived at, which creates a natural and peaceful space.

These are introduced through four essays by Van Sande, who has written extensively on the subject, a conversation with Hiroshi Matsukuma, and 22 of Maekawa’s architecture projects.

Contents

Introduction: With regard to Kunio Maekawa, Hera Van Sande

Dialogue: Meaning of Maekawa's work, Hiroshi Matsukuma, Hera Van Sande

Essay: Importance of Le Corbusier, Hera Van Sande

• Kimura Industrial Laboratory
• Morinaga Candy Store Ginza Shop (Remodeling)
• Moriya House
• Maekawa Residence
• PREMOS: Prefabricated Housing
• Kinokuniya Bookstore

Essay: Kunio Maekawa in pursuit of a proper Japanese identity – space as main generator, Hera Van Sande, Yves Schoonjans

• Kanagawa Prefectural Library and Music Hall
• MID Building
• The International House of Japan
• Fukushima Education Center
• Harumi Apartments

Essay: Reaching a synthesis in the Japanese pavilion, Expo '58 Brussels, Hera Van Sande

• Japanese Pavilion Expo '58 Burssels
• Kyoto Hall
• Tokyo Metoropolitan Festival Hall
• Kanagawa Prefectural Youth Center
• Kinokuniya Building
• Janome Sewing Machine Building

Essay: Towards a liberated design approach, Hera Van Sande

• Saitama Prefectural Museum
• Tokio Marine Building
• Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art
• National Museum of Western Art New Wing
• Hirosaki Municipal Crematorium

The Death of Public Architecture: – A Requiem for Kunio Maekawa, Toyo Ito (Reprint from Jutaku Kenchiku, September 1986