Spatiality in 

Contemporary

Japanese 

Housing

Sean McMahon: 

Elective Pamphlets

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Spatiality in Contemporary Japanese Housing 

Lower Pool Elective Semester 2  2009

Objectives:In Japan there is a somewhat different approach to the understanding/ conception of space particularly with regard to the mapping and drawing of space. I’m interested in how we can engage, learn from and utilise these approaches and thereby employ ideas from Japan in the production of buildings.

For many reasons Japanese designers often utilize/exploit usefully the entire volume of a building, how can we adapt/learn from this approach in development of the spatial­ity of our buildings? In exploring these ideas I would ask that students consider/develop their own strategies for spatial manipulation in their buildings via a detailed exploration of precedent work through drawing, plan, section, elevation and model making with the aim of translating these investigations into their design proposals in studio.

I would like students to gain exposure to some of the lesser­known Japanese architects. We will also look at typical mass/bulk builder apartments, work that is generally done more inventively in Japan than in Australia with the aim of gaining an insight into space planning/utilisation in more generic building types.

We will be dealing with basic conceptual ideas regarding planning and spatial manipula­tion. The elective will aim to emphasize the development of skills relevant to design deci­sion making and representation/communication.

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The Natural Ellipse House  by Endoh & Ikeda Nguyen Trong Hiep 

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Heading

Second Plate by Hiroyuki Arima

C­1 House by Miligram Studio Shann Ching Pei Yong

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Shann Ching Pei Yong

White Cave by Takao Shiotsuka

Kunitachi House by Plannetworks Shann Ching Pei Yong

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Log House by  Sou Fujimoto Chun Yik Kho

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Apartment I by Kumiko Inui

Vanilla House by Tomomasa UedaChun Yik Kho Chun Yik Kho

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Paper House by Shigeru Ban

House in Base Valley by Sambuichi Architects  Ashley Mackey

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Ashley Mackey

Roof House by Tezuka Architects

!"#$%&'(&)*+,%&-.&/#00"$%&1%$'2(&)345%&Ashley Mackey

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Paper House by Shigeru Ban Harris Kwong

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4x4 by Tadao Ando Harris KwongHarris Kwong

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Antique museum

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1 Bedroom7Mother’s bedroom2Tea room3Washroom4Photostudio5Kitchen6

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7 74

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2 3

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Plastic House by Kengo Kuma  Jackie Song Yi

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I house by Katsufumi Kubota  Jackie Song YiJackie Song Yi

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House in a Plum Grove by Sejima Rhoda Wee

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Natural Strata by Ikeda & Endoh  Rhoda WeeRhoda Wee

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Nguyen Trong Hiep House with Northern Windows by Keshi & Yuka Komada

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Nguyen Trong Hiep Nguyen Trong Hiep  Y House by Irie & Ikeda

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Ahron Best

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Ahron Best Ahron BestRing House  by TNA

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Jelana ModrinicHouse in a Plum Grove by SANNA

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Joshua WalkerJelana Modrinic

6%7%5*'"(&"3&+&8'(%9+:&-.&;*%:'%9&<%,#*" Joshua Walker

Rooftecture S by Shuhei Endo

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Bathroom, Bedroom, Entry to Terrace

Private kitchen, Living, WC

Public kitchen, Dining, WC

Living, WC

Storage, Bookshelf, Closet

Masaki Endoh + Masahiro IkedaNatural EllipseTokyo, Japan132m2

Tadao Ando4x4 HouseKobe, Hyogo, Japan118m2

MODEL PHOTOS

Tadao Ando4x4 HouseKobe, Hyogo, Japan118m2

MODEL PHOTOS

4x4 House by Tadao Ando Jason Gec

The Natural Ellipse House  by Endoh & Ikeda

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Kengo Kuma & AssociatesPlastic HouseTokyo, Japan173m2Scale 1:200

This perspectival section illustrates how manipulation of volume sizes, placement of program and control over light can work in the architects favour. The largest and lightest volume is for living while bedrooms have more subdued lighting and more restrained sizes. Core services volumes are not articulated in this house as they seem to be embedded in the structure. The gallery, to the bottom right, is dark and rigid space.

Kengo Kuma  Plastic House Jason Gec

With Thanks to:Pia Ednie­Brown (Course Coordinator)

Contributing Students:Ahron BestJason GecChun Yik KhoHarris KwongAshley MackeyJelena ModrinicNguyen Trong HeipJackie Song YiJosh WalkerRhoda WeeShann Ching Pei Yong

Title: Spatiality in Contemporary Japanese HousingTutor: Sean McMahonPole: Urban ArchitectureDate: Semester 2, 2009

This and other documented examples of elective subjects 

run as part of the RMIT University Architecture program 

can be found on issuu.com

Elective Pamphlets