Kritikujući kritički regionalizam, formalna analiza kao alternativa - studija slučaja istorijskog konteksta i projekata u Japanu

Abstract

This paper first provides an overview on Kenneth Frampton's methodology of Critical Regionalism, which is criticised by contemporary scholars for reducing various regional qualities of architecture into its material realm, such as tectonics, architectural details, structures etc. After this, a case study on this matter will be conducted by taking Japan as its main subject. The study explicitly focuses on the mutual process between the establishment of 'Japan-ness' as its architectural identity and the material reduction of its cultural characteristics that are primarily discussed in series of essays by Arata Isozaki. Further developing on the above discussion, the overarching goal of this paper is to seek an alternative method to Critical Regionalism, that could contribute to forming a broader knowledge of the regional subjects. To strategically deviate from the material aspect of architecture, Peter Eisenman's 'Formal Analysis' will be investigated as a potential alternative. The final section will apply this method to two architectural precedents in Japan, aiming to capture the rather abstract concept of Hashi<端>, which would otherwise be muted by the process of material reduction of cultural identities discussed above.