Japanse architectuur: lagen en leegte

Jurgenhake, B. M. (Speaker)

Public Building and Housing Design

Activity: Talk or presentation › Talk or presentation at a workshop, seminar, course or other meeting

Description

In this lecture, we will explore the unique design philosophy behind Japanese architecture, where the interplay of light and shadow, the distinctive use of emptiness, and exquisite material choices play a central role. What can we learn from this in Nijmegen, now that the city is becoming increasingly crowded?

Period	13 Jun 2024
Held at	Architectuurcentrum Nijmegen, Netherlands

Keywords

Japanese architecture
esthetical concepts
ideas for Nijmegen

Documents & Links

This year, architect Riken Yamamoto became the ninth Japanese laureate of the Pritzker Prize — often dubbed the Nobel Prize of architecture. With prominent names like Tadao Ando, Kengo Kuma, and Toyo Ito, Japanese architecture continues to attract global attention. In this lecture, we’ll explore its unique design philosophy, where light and shadow, emptiness, and refined materials play a central role. What can Nijmegen learn from this, as the city grows denser? Be inspired by the quiet elegance of Japanese architecture, guided by Birgit Jurgenhake (TU Delft). A key concept is Ma — the Japanese idea of negative space. Rather than absence, Ma emphasizes the deliberate use of emptiness. This is evident not only in buildings but also in public spaces, such as toilets and gas stations designed as calming rest areas — offering a brief escape from daily life. Another essential principle is concealment. Where European architecture often reveals its core immediately, Japanese buildings use layering to guide attention and meaning. This invites a deeper engagement with architecture as a whole. Birgit Jurgenhake, architect and lecturer at TU Delft, wrote her thesis on the traditional Machiya house and regularly visits Japan to study its architecture. Her research also explores new housing models for the Netherlands. After the lecture, she will join us for a conversation on space and emptiness in Japanese design. What can we learn from this philosophy?

Japanse architectuur: lagen en leegte

Description

Keywords

Documents & Links

Related content

Activities

The Japanese house

Japanese architecture - from Tradition to contemporary buildings

Artist in residence in a Kyoto Machiya

Artist in residence in a Kyoto Machiya

Research output

Local Community Area: De machiya als nieuw woonmodel

Artist in residence in a Kyoto Machiya

The qualities of the Machiya : An architectural research of a traditional house in Japan