Community-focused Japanese architectural projects on show at SOFA
Published by Communications and Development
21 May 2008
An exhibition which explores the thinking behind contemporary Japanese architecture is being held at the SOFA Gallery as part of the arts festival Platform.
Kumamoto Artpolis is a collaborative venture between UC's art history and theory programme and the Consular Office of Japan.
The exhibition, which runs until 25 May, documents the results of a remarkable project established in 1988 by the Governor of Kumamoto Prefecture, Morihiro Hosokawa, to improve the architectural culture and communities of the largely rural prefecture in southern Japan.
Mr Hosokawa, who later served as Japan's prime minister, appointed a commissioner to select leading and emerging architects to design public buildings in local communities in consultation with the local people. To date, almost 100 buildings have been completed.
“The architects who contributed to the Kumamoto project include the best-known Japanese practitioners of the last decades,” said Dr Richard Bullen, who teaches Japanese art history at Canterbury.
“Indeed, with names attached like Arata Isozaki (first commissioner) Toyo Ito (present vice-commissioner) and Tadao Ando, this is a showcase of contemporary Japanese thinking on architecture, as well as a community's response to the problem of how to build for its needs.
“It is interesting to see how so many of the projects draw on traditional Japanese design ideas and aesthetics. It's a fascinating exhibition, and the communities' architectural solutions to their requirements are a lesson in human cultural intercourse.”
SOFA Gallery is open Monday to Friday, 11am-5pm, Saturday and Sunday noon to 4pm. Entry is free.
More information about the Platform festival can be found at www.canterbury.ac.nz/platform.
For further information please contact:
Greg Latham
Festival Co-ordinator
College of Arts
University of Canterbury
Ph (03) 364 3451
gregory.latham@canterbury.ac.nz