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Japanese “small houses” and their advantages in contemporary world Kichatova M. (Russian Federation)
Японские «маленькие дома» и их преимущества в современном мире
Кичатова М. А. (Российская Федерация)
Кичатова Мария Алексеевна /Kichatova Maria - бакалавр в области дизайна, кафедра «дизайн архитектурной среды»,
Национальный институт дизайна, г. Москва
Abstract: this research devoted to the modern Japanese architecture of small houses. Furthermore, it is an attempt to trace the history of small dwellings in Japan.
Аннотация: это исследование посвящено современной японской архитектуре «маленьких домов». Кроме того, это попытка проследить историю подобного жилья в Японии.
Keywords: Japanese dwelling, Japanese architecture, small houses, human scale, overpopulation.
Ключевые слова: японское жилье, японская архитектура, маленькие дома, человеческий масштаб, перенаселение.
Establishment of the compact dwelling is an important action in terms of overpopulation in cities. It is an attempt to create urban area where we can avoid massive and overwhelming buildings that destroys the consolidation between human and nature. We can see in figures why this building type was founded in Japan: in 2012 the total population of Japan amounted to around 127.6 million inhabitants [1]. In 2010 the total population in Tokyo amounted to around 13 million inhabitants. In some districts it can be denser than 5.5 thousand of people on one square kilometer [2]. Japanese architects are doing their best in these difficult conditions. They create small functional constructions and at the same time they manage to conserve harmony that classical Japanese dwellings contain. This harmony is always a unity between dwelling and nature.
One of the most desirable things for habitants in Japan is to have their own site. Average sites are extremely expensive and very small. When you don’t have a lot of space, you should use everything you possess in a proper way. In a classical Japanese construction we can see huge open areas, but at the same time, we see a lot of smart decisions about space preservation and usage. For example, you can use sedsi instead of classic doors and build-in closets that looks invisible, as if it is merged in a wall. The other option is to make a small garden into or near the house. Japanese garden is a separate subject that can provide a material for a thick book. Speaking in general terms, it shows how carefully Japanese people deal with the nature. In the modern era this classical solutions are still popular at small houses in which it is very important to save a space.
On the one hand, Japanese architectural art is based on the principals of their religion: Zen-Buddhism and Shintoism. The job of the artist is to suggest the essence, the eternal qualities of the object, which is in itself a work of natural art before the artist arrives on the scene [4]. On the other hand, it is determined by nature that contains landscape forms, high seismic activity and a lot of forest storage. Classical Japanese house is a sample of Shibui. It means: “adj. tasteful in a quiet, profound, or unostentatious way” [5]. During the history, this approach completes the aesthetical foundation of Japanese culture.
If we take a look at contemporary architecture we can say, that Japanese architects are still using the same principles, but in a different way. We can find a lot of social and cultural features in their architecture. For instance, look at the small private residence name “4*4 House II”, that was made by Tadao Ando. This’s a concrete house on beachfront site measuring only 65 m2. It is a modern geometric shape without any decorations. The house was made of concrete that we can describe as the most popular material of Japanese buildings, but we can compare it with classic Japanese constructions regarding its arc hitectural form. Ando’s project represents the whole idea of the “small houses”: it has to take a little square, to be simple, to be made of eco-materials and has a strong connection with the nature.
The other important thing, that defines the way of Japanese architecture, is a classical measure system. It calls Shakkan-ho (RMS) and the important feature of this system is its proportional to an average human body. In fact, the relationships of human and architecture measurement is so immensely close that one may well speak of their being identical [6]. For example, you can measure a living square with tatami. One tatami is equal to one tsubo which is about 3.3 square meters. Tatami sizes are different in Japanese regions. Its length is from 1.76 to 1.91 meters which is proportional to an average human height. Shakkan-ho system has become more rarely after second part of the 20th century, but it is still useful in construction.
The human scale is really important when we speak about contemporary architecture. A lot of scientific researches say that a human scale is the most convenient and healthy way to design buildings and open spaces. If we follow the Principles of intelligent urbanism (PIU) or the book “Pattern Language” that was written by Christopher Alexander, we can find out a lot of thesis that explains this point of view. Christopher Alexander writes “There is abundant evidence to show that high buildings makes people crazy”, and continues “high buildings have no genuine advantages, except in speculative gains for bank and land owners” [7]. At the same
time, PIU notices “intelligent urbanism encourages ground level, pedestrian oriented urban patterns, based on anthropometric dimensions” [8]. It is true that we feel more comfortable in low-story buildings. Human scale gives us confidence, the feeling of safety and coziness. We are able to communicate with the urban space and with the other people. From this point of view, small architecture can make our surroundings friendlier.
“Whereas European cities are characterized by their permanence, Japanese cities are characterized by transformation, by the dynamic” [3]. In Japan people do not build houses that can last forever. Buildings live approximately 25 years, hence it makes things easier. Architects can design their projects more freely and imply a lot of unusual decisions. Rhythm of life and it conditions can change, but in this case owners are free to exterminate building. They normally do not use reconstruction. Although it has an aesthetic explanation -something is beautiful only if it is fleeting. I guess this approach is really smart when we speak about private small houses not only in Japan. Now we are free to use ecological materials and high technology that permits us to reduce a final cost of the building and enables us to rebuild our dwelling. Small houses are also a great chance for avant-garde architects who would like to demonstrate their skills and creative mind. “For several of them small residences for private clients has been the only opportunity thus fa r to realize their design ideas” [3]. A loyalty and liberality of clients contribute a lot in it. They know what they are getting into, when they sign a contract.
We have to understand that the Japanese way is not universal. It has many specific details and it is not only about culture. However, Japanese experience is very important for the development of contemporary architecture. If we want to make a friendly environment, we have to pounder Japanese scheme and to reorganize it with all required needs.
References
1. [Электронный ресурс]. Режим доступа: http://www.worldometers.info/world-population/japan-population/.
2. [Электронный ресурс]. Режим доступа: http://worldpopulationreview.com/world-cities/tokyo-population/.
3. “Small houses, Contemporary Japanese dwelling” by Claudia Hildner.
4. “Zen Buddhism And Its Relationship to Elements of Eastern And Western Arts” by Fredric Lieberman.
5. “Oxford English Dictionary”.
6. “Measure and Construction of the Japanese House” by Heino Enge.
7. “Pattern language” by Christopher Alexander.
8. “Principal of intelligent urbanism” by Christopher C. Benninger.
