Contemporary Japanese Architecture ─ Tracing the Next Generation

Contemporary Japanese Architecture presents a clear and comprehensive overview of the historical and cultural framework that informs the work of all Japanese architects, as an introduction to an in-depth investigation of the challenges now occupying the contemporary designers who will be the leaders of the next generation. It separates out the young generation of Japanese architects from the crowded, distinguished, multi-generational field they seek to join, and investigates the topics that absorb them, and the critical issues they face within the new economic reality of Japan and a shifting global order. Salient points in the text are illustrated by beautiful, descriptive images provided by the architects and from the extensive collection of the author. By combining illustrations with timelines and graphics to explain complex ideas, the book is accessible to any student seeking to understand contemporary Japanese architecture.

James Steele is Professor of Architecture at the University of Southern California, USA. Since 1991, Prof. Steele has taught history and theory of architecture as well as design studios at the School of Architecture. He has been a guest critic and speaker at numerous universities in the United States and internationally. He organized the first summer semester abroad program for architecture students in Malaysia in 1998 and administered the Program up through its fifteenth and final session last Summer. He has now founded and is the Director of a new Undergraduate Program in Brazil, based in Sao Paulo. He has served on the USC President's Committee on International Affairs.