Tag Archives: architecture

Fun Link Friday: Urban Miniature Models of Japan

Posted on October 28, 2022 by Paula

For those who have visited Japan, miniature models are nothing new. From our favorite plastic ramen bowls to recreations of historical buildings in museums, gazing on tiny versions of the world instill in us a sense of wonder. Earlier this … Continue reading →

Posted in culture, fun links | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

OUR Shurijo Shuri Castle Digital Reconstruction

Posted on November 15, 2019 by Paula

As many know by now, Shuri Castle in Okinawa, an important piece of Ryukyu cultural heritage, suffered a devastating fire on October 31st 2019. As ongoing dialogues continue about how and when the reconstruction will take place, over two dozen … Continue reading →

Posted in culture, fun links | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Book Announcement: Japan’s Castles: Citadels of Modernity in War and Peace

Posted on August 4, 2019 by Paula

Japan’s Castles: Citadels of Modernity in War and Peace Oleg Benesch and Ran Zwigenberg An innovative examination of heritage politics in Japan, showing how castles have been used to re-invent and recapture competing versions of the pre-imperial past and project … Continue reading →

Posted in announcements, culture, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Resource: Dietrich Seckel’s Photo Archive (1936-1942)

Posted on April 18, 2018 by Paula

Those interested in everyday life in Japan during World War II may be interested in the University of Heidelberg’s digital archive of photographs by German art historian Dietrich Seckel. Credited as one of the leading figures in establishing art historical … Continue reading →

Posted in culture, graduate school, main posts, study tools, undergraduate, useful links | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Fun Link Friday: Japan to build wooden skyscraper

Posted on March 9, 2018 by Paula

Though this news broke a couple weeks ago, it’s still fascinating to read about and making the rounds on various online news outlets. A Japanese wood products company, Sumitomo Forestry, is presently making plans to create a gigantic wooden skyscraper … Continue reading →

Posted in culture, fun links | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fun Link Friday: Laser-cut Stationery Surprises

Posted on January 26, 2018 by Paula

Although this is old news by internet standards, This is Colossal posted last week about a new memo pad produced by the Japanese company Triad that reveals hidden architectural features or objects as you use up your everyday notes. Called … Continue reading →

Posted in culture, fun links | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Book Announcement: Japanese Modern Architecture 1920-2015

Posted on February 5, 2017 by Paula

Japanese Modern Architecture 1920-2015: Developments and Dialogues Ari Seligmann Japanese Modern Architecture 1920-2015 uses a series of thematic lenses to explain the rich history of Japanese architectural developments from the 1920s foundation of modern architecture to contemporary permutations of modern … Continue reading →

Posted in announcements, culture | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Resource: Asian Historical Architecture

Posted on August 24, 2016 by Paula

Today we introduce a somewhat unusual resource, the site Asian Historical Architecture. This collection of user-donated materials provides a photographic survey of architectural heritage across Asia, taking “Asia” in a refreshingly broad interpretation. Background information and virtual tours are available … Continue reading →

Posted in culture, graduate school, living abroad, study tools, useful links | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fun Link Friday: A See-Through Home

Posted on March 25, 2016 by LM

If you’ve studied Japanese architecture or watched Japanese period dramas (jidai geki 時代劇), you’ve probably noticed how sliding doors in manors could be opened to reveal an atrium to allow the occupants to be close to nature. The “Hiroshima Hut” modernizes that concept … Continue reading →

Posted in culture, fun links | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Fun Link Friday: Home-for-All in Soma

Posted on March 13, 2015 by LM

Here’s a positive story about reconstruction in Soma to end our week. Four years ago a devastating earthquake and tsunami destroyed 250,000 homes in the Tohoku region of Japan. In the wake of the tragedy, architect Toyo Ito established Home-for-All, … Continue reading →

Posted in culture, fun links | Tagged , , | Leave a comment