Review: Homes in Japan by Francesca Chiorino
Get lost in the pages of a good book—it’s the soul of any room.
Japanese architect Tadao Ando once said, “If there is only one culture all over the world, that’s not a good thing.” This need for a diverse and expansive approach to cultural education is non-negotiable. And, as illustrated by Chiorino’s first comprehensive study on contemporary Japanese houses designed by established and emerging architects, there is much to learn from contemporary residential Japanese architecture.
More than 200 pages and gorgeous full-colour images are devoted to 20 architects and designers that work throughout the country. Describing her topic as “fragile, transitory and intensely human,” Chiorino’s superb introductory essay offers both a critical and historic overview. Each section is devoted to one home and titled used the name of the architect, and each project is photographed to illuminate its powerful sense of purpose and place – including cities, the countryside and even suburban residences from names familiar and new, such as Shigeru Ban, Go Hasegawa, Kengo Kuma and Jun Igarishi.
A thoughtful, beautiful immersion into the next generation of Japanese residential design, this stunning new volume offers a glimpse into an elegant, inspired universe.
By Francesca Chiorino
Electa via Rizzoli
The Latest
A Floating Vision: Dubai Museum of Art Rises from the Creek
Inspired by the sea and pearls, the Dubai Museum of Art becomes a floating ode to the city’s heritage and its boundless artistic ambition.
Heritage Reimagined
Designlab Experience turns iconic spaces into living narratives of Emirati culture, luxury, and craftsmanship.
Nakhla by Nada Debs
Nakhla symbolises resilience, prosperity and a deep connection to the land
Wave: The New Mediterranean Haven in Dubai
IDST’s design invites exploration with a thoughtful blend of artisanal craftsmanship and contemporary style.
The Chedi Wadi Safar
Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and KCA International are collaborating to launch this new hotel
A New Era of Early Learning
Roar crafts the PIF Daycare Centre in Riyadh with a calming, sensory-rich environment where design, nature and childhood development come together.
When Art Meets Light
Brush and Switch by Sans Souci bend light in unexpected ways
The Importance of Community-Driven Design
We speak to Joanna Varettas, Senior Associate Designer at TGP International on the story of Seed & Bloom – a café designed to nurture connection and community engagement
Finasi x ROAR presents – Made in UAE
For this year's Downtown Design, Finasi and Pallavi Dean will unveil a bold new installation that speaks the language of material honesty, exceptional craftsmanship, visionary design, and local identity.
A Lesson in Restraint
This Palm Jumeirah home proves that luxury can be achieved with intention, rather than scale
In photos: 2025 identity Design Awards shortlist reveal at Casamia
Here are snippets from the evening.
Vote for your favourite projects at the identity Design Awards 2025
You can now choose your favourite project from the identity Design Awards 2025 shortlist