Review: Homes in Japan by Francesca Chiorino

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.

Homes in Japan

By Francesca Chiorino

Electa via Rizzoli