Session 9 - 11/16 (morning)

[cgao]

[vjones]

Please read attached document in preparation for Professor Bharne's lecture this Saturday.

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[Sara Newman]

When I think of Japanese architecture I tend to think of simple lines, paper dividers, and neutural colors, so I was really interested in how this reading explained the evolution of Japanese arhitecture caused in political and cultural shifts. The breakdown of how different periods correlated with different formats and locations for temples helped clarify things, and I also apprecaited how the text talks about the relationship between Japan and other places. Specifically, it was interesting to hear how not only Chinese design principals, but also international ideas brought back by ships returning to Japan influenced the aesthetic of the day. 

I wonder how modern Japanese architects try integrate modern design principles/expectations, ancient Japanese design elements, and their personal visions to create new buildings in Japan to meet the current demographic needs. It seems like such a tall tale to honor this rich design history while also having very specific issues/goals to address (aging population, environmentalism/sustainability, etc.)

[Dennis O'Connell]

The reading for this session and the beautiful photographs really brought architecture to life for me in a way I have not really encountered it before.  I am trying to think of a way to capture this feeling to use in my elementary classroom.  I am not sure if I should just use some of these same images of Japanese architecture over time and see what the images evoke for my students, or if I should have them look at American architecture in a new way.  I look forward to the session itself to see if any ideas come to me!

[Richard Cate]

I have long loved the complex simplisity of classical Japanese architecture. I am most impressed with their soulitions of solving load bearing issues. The scope of buildings has always been limited by hoe these issues were solved with the materials and technology of their time. The Japanese solution of using a mixture of the materials at hand in what became a seemingly seemless merger of stone and wood seems unique to the Japanese. 

[Sara Newman]

In high school I took architecture classes for many years, so I was really happy to see Tadao Ando & Shigeru Ban's work mentioned in the reading. I've long admired both of their work (especially Ban's), and been drawn to the elegance of their neutural colors and emphasis on natural materials. I really liked how the book focused on how "detail, light, and wind" help Ando not only create beauty in his strcutures, but also to deliver a socio-cultural statement. I really appreciate how his buildings manage to be not just stark, but also beautiful through their inclusion of minimal, but intentional details. 

Many of the curving structures from Shigeru Ban remind me of the fanciful, organic creations of Frank Gehry. Clearly Ban's designs include more basic colors and materials, but the curves in each architect's work clearly empahsize beauty over sheet utility. Because of this, I was surprised in the reading to hear about how the Kobe earthquake led Ban to focus more on emergency housing and shelters that prioritize utility and humanitarian need over artistry. I love that not only is Ban innovative in the environmental realm, but that he also priotitze immeasurable beauty in structures he's created around the world--especially the Centre Pompidou in Metz in France and New Zealand’s Cardboard Cathedral.

[Iris Marin]

Dennis, I too have been wanting to bring architecture into my class specifically focusing on engineering. Some thoughts I have are creating a center with images of towers, bridges, buildings from around the world  and have the children try to come up with a way to recreate the engineered structure. I feel it is a great way to introduce the children to geography, cultures, and other countries.

Questions could be:

What shapes do you see?

How is weight distributed? How is it able to hold so much weight?

Can you build something similar?

Upon testing the structure is it able to hold weight?

ideas for Materials: blocks, tooth picks, papers, straws, wood chips , craft sticks, play doh,  clay, index cards

[Lizette Bernal]

It’s insightful to learn about Japan’s role with the US government. It’s true that we cannot “blame” Japan for accommodating and shaping to whoever the US president is. Whether it be Trump or Sanders, Japan is going to constantly adapt to who we elect as president - objectively, of course. Following this idea however, it seems that not all Japanese people were in favor of Japan’s tendency to support the US presidents and their ideals. The movement Anpo Toso, otherwise known as the student movement against the Alliance, that took place during the late 1980s in hopes of limiting Japan’s reliance on the US. Because of this movement, there was light shed on Japan’s dependency on the US. I’m wondering if the Anpo Toso was shocking to Japan’s society. Was Japan aware of others’ disapproval?

[Lizette Bernal]

The brief conversation between Professors Dube and Toshihiro was very insightful. I’ve always questioned how people are chosen to be on currency. I’ve especially thought about this idea for US currency, too. Professor Toshihiro confirmed that for Japan, Ichiyo Higuchi symbolizes gender awareness. She was the first prominent female writer in Japan and brought about conversation related to the gender inequality within the nation. He discussed the urgency to “fix” the norms for women. He also touched on how Japan, in terms of women’s legal abilities, is where it needs to be (aka equal to men) but what’s lacking is the social equality. Ichiyo Higuchi symbolizes more than just a limited awareness of gender, she also signifies change. It’s important that people, of any country really, understand why people are on their currency. Would it be too much if along with the person’s picture, we’d add a line or 3-4 word description of their title/recognition? Considering there’s space of course.

[Lizette Bernal]

 

For some time now, I’ve been fascinated with tea ceremonies. I’m glad that the professor touched on this topic. It’s actually humorous to think that tea ceremonies were created to keep sleepy monks awake during meditation. Since meditation is significant to monks, incorporating a tea ceremony is not a distraction but rather, it’s an added gem to meditation. The professor described gardens with elegance. The idea of the garden as a walk until reaching the “heart of the hermit” (the tea ceremony) is a neat way to view the landscape. I wish I had known this before visiting the Japanese Garden last month.

[Iris Marin]

Lizette, I too always wondered the same idea about how people are chosen to be on currency. In fact I remember hearing that they were trying to put Harriet Tubman on the US 20 dollar bill. This has been postponed. I hope one day they can add Native Americans and other people of color to our bills because many others were part of building this country. The article is linked here: https://www.cnbc.com/2019/05/22/harriet-tubman-20-bill-no-longer-coming-in-2020.html

[Haena Shin]

During my visit to Japan, I noticed the beauty of Japanese architecture of the buildings, temples, shrines, and parks. There was definite beauty in minimalism in which the design and structure of each edge, surface, and texture is intentional and simple. The simplicity of design and the repetition of patterns helped me to focus on each structure both as a whole and in specific parts. Shinto shrines were also very symmetrical had had specific details in each wood carving and curvature.

It amazes me how consistent and sturdy the materials such as wood and stone were made to last and held its uniformity. It was interesting to note how Chinese influence was included in some of the traditional design and paintings such as Nishi Honganji’s “Cloud Pavillion.”

The idea of Zen gardens always interested me about how sitting still is about “self discipline and mental dissociation with everything else.” The raked sand puzzles me but reminds me that stillness is important. I wonder if there is an alternate purpose to these raked designs and how they achieve such neatness when making them.

 

[Haena Shin]

I love the minimalism and simplicity of Japanese architecture. I think its very interesting how many major cities in America have Japanese gardens and temples for tourists to visit. I find Japanese architecture to be very innovative in their use of materials, resources, and technology. The designs are very thoughtful yet useful and space is utilized in a meaningful way. It amazes me that many temples, castles, shrines, and buildings in Japan last to this day and are maintained carefully to preserve its beauty.

[Iris Marin]

I appreciated hearing a different perspective from Professor Toshihiro. His view as a Japanese citizen living there and his reflections on US -Japan relations were insightful. It was interesting to note how important the United States is to Japan and how much the US benefits from this relationship. Further, it was interesting to hear how Japan will always be neutral regardless of who is president of the United States.  This is a beneficial strategy and one that will benefit them greatly.  Further, it was interesting to talk to professor Toshihiro and find out that one of his colleagues had been detained in China for who knows what and had been let go on Friday before the lecture. The press statement said " Visiting Scholar corrects himself, is released." We were discussing how much freedom we have and how we tak it for granted sometimes and forget that it is not like that elsewhere. In America you can research what you want an are encouraged to push limits somewhat. Where as in other places you are limited.

[Cynthia Stults]

Professor Nakayama was an incredibly engaging speaker and I truly appreciated his candor and transparency. I think students of all ages benefit from us as teachers being up front and honest with them. Form the beginning of his presentation he admitted that he was sponsored by the Japanese government, but that his opinions and words were his own. One of the major ideas he presented that resonated with me that day, and I still mention when telling other people about his presentation is that of the Japanese stance on our president(s):

  You (U.S. people) choose them. It's our job to work with them and adapt to them. 

As I thought of this, I did realize that Abe has seemed to have positive relationships with both Obama and Trump. This is likely to be a bit of a controversial opinion, but I completely agree with their diplomatic stance. The Japanese/US trade and military relationship is of such importance, that it doesn't make sense to make any sort of a personal opinion of the president known, but to basically aim to have the same quality of relationship with each, and adapt as necessary to continue to promote positive relations between the two countries.

I view this as similar to how I view my relationship with administrators. There are some administrators that flat out, I haven't liked nor respected. I could allow those opinions to affect my relationship and I could openly show disdain for them, but when I have an issue with a parent or it comes time for evaluation, will that admin have my back if I've not treated them the way I treat admins that I do admire and respect? The district chose this admin, it's my job to adapt and work with them the best that I can so that there can be a good working relationship (and I can keep my job). 

I also teach this to my students when they have to work with partners or groups of students they may not like. They can let their personal feelings interfere with the work, or they can put them aside and learn to adapt and work with their partner(s) to accomplish their goal.

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