Exhibition: Evolution of Japan’s contemporary architecture on display

Pictures of structures by Japanese architects between 1996 and 2006 on display.

ISLAMABAD: An exhibition showcasing contemporary Japanese architecture opened at the National Art Gallery on Wednesday.

Titled “Parallel Nippon,” the exhibition presents 112 large-scale photographic panels, 63 text panels, architectural models and video footage of revolutionary architectural achievements realised not only in Japan but across the world by Japanese architects.

The exhibition explores the evolution of Japanese architecture between 1996 and 2006. With a specific focus on the decade, the exhibition showcases various architectural efforts by means of four thematic sections --- city, life, culture and living.



Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Inomata, while addressing the inaugural ceremony, said that architecture gives us cultural clues about a country’s past, present and future.

He further said the exhibition looks at buildings completed on Japanese soil over the last decade as well as at buildings realised by Japanese architects abroad.

The purpose of showcasing the exhibition was to give visitors a glimpse of the versatility and individuality of the social and cultural life of Japanese people through these complex-shaped structures, which reveal the true image of its surroundings, according to Inomata.

“These structures reflect the post-bubble attributes of the longstanding heritage and cultural maturity of the Japanese people. The unique Japanese architecture is acknowledged internationally and Japanese architects are recruited by many countries,” he added.



Rizwan, an Information Technology expert, said, “I’m just picking up ideas. I just moved into a new house and I’m trying to redo the interior and just picturing what I can accomplish. As I see it, this is more about urban planning than interior design. But perhaps something might just click.”

Adil Farooq, an architecture student, said, “It is an interesting collection. What’s noticeable is that simple aesthetics are combined with certain complex elements. They have introduced greater harmony to the design.” Farooq said the exhibition looks at the universal life cycles. “The life cycle in Japan is different from the one in Pakistan and we can learn a lot from this exhibition,” he added.

Uzma Zain, an architect and associate professor at the COMSATS Department of Architecture, said, “It’s a wonderful exhibition. We should have more exhibitions like this because of the exposure they offer as most of our architects, students and people just don’t get to go and see far-off places and it is a good opportunity for them that Japanese architecture has come here.” The architecture is beautiful and pure, it is very appropriate for the place that it has been built in, she said, adding that the beautifully-made models speak for themselves.

The exhibition will continue till December 24 from 9am to 5pm daily except for Fridays.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 21^st, 2013.