Beyond European modernism: Post-war architecture through the Lens of Kenzo Tang.
Abstract (300 words maximum)
After the war, a new style of architecture emerged, the style focused primarily on monumental formalism, with an interest in sculptural masses, spaces, and the decorative qualities of building materials. That style is called Post-war Nordic architecture and was characterized by social engagement and thoughtful design. Three formal directions emerged within that: one that incorporated English Brutalism, another that built on Mies van der Rohe's work and a third that Frank Lloyd Wright and Japanese architecture influenced.
In this paper, I will closely focus on Kenzo Tang’s (a Japanese architect) work, because His specific work style includes understanding the landscape and integrating urban contest within that of his time, and post-European modernism, looking at the two styles I will analyze their similarities and differences, brought by both cultures and the time in which the designs were brought about. I will explore this by primarily looking at Tang’s work, I will look for key similarities that fear has evoked in the minds of designers at the time freshly coming out of a war, and how it had influenced urban-based architecture.
The question: designing for people and time, in what way, and with what effect?
Academic department under which the project should be listed
CACM - Architecture
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Ehsan Sheikholharam
Beyond European modernism: Post-war architecture through the Lens of Kenzo Tang.
After the war, a new style of architecture emerged, the style focused primarily on monumental formalism, with an interest in sculptural masses, spaces, and the decorative qualities of building materials. That style is called Post-war Nordic architecture and was characterized by social engagement and thoughtful design. Three formal directions emerged within that: one that incorporated English Brutalism, another that built on Mies van der Rohe's work and a third that Frank Lloyd Wright and Japanese architecture influenced.
In this paper, I will closely focus on Kenzo Tang’s (a Japanese architect) work, because His specific work style includes understanding the landscape and integrating urban contest within that of his time, and post-European modernism, looking at the two styles I will analyze their similarities and differences, brought by both cultures and the time in which the designs were brought about. I will explore this by primarily looking at Tang’s work, I will look for key similarities that fear has evoked in the minds of designers at the time freshly coming out of a war, and how it had influenced urban-based architecture.
The question: designing for people and time, in what way, and with what effect?