Held on the 23rd Aug 2019 to
31st Aug 2019
Japan – Archipelago of the House is an exhibition of contemporary Japanese architecture focused on the category of the house – the most recognisable and enduring of Japan’s contributions to the discipline of architecture, while simultaneously the site of intense experimentation and creative diversity.
Through drawings, photographs, video, and interviews, the exhibition gathers the work of 58 architects over 70 works, spanning from major works of 20th century architectural history by figures such as Kenzo Tange and Tadao Ando, to 21st century works by established and emerging talents such as Kengo Kuma and Atelier Bow-wow.
Avoiding a common tendency to treat such works as isolated and purified aesthetic vessels, the presentation reveals these buildings as lively and inhabited environments, thoroughly embedded in the lives of the people and places they form part of.
Richard Leplastrier, eminent Australian architect, lifelong student of Japanese architecture, and teacher of many UTas architectural alumni, will officially open the exhibition, at 6pm on Thursday, August 22, 2019.
Background
Initiated by a French curatorial team in 2013, the exhibition has travelled in Europe and Japan, and has been brought to Tasmania by Dr Julian Worrall, newly appointed Professor of Architecture at the University of Tasmania, generously supported by Design Tasmania under its new director, Claire Beale.
The show is the inaugural event in a year-long program of school initiatives to mark two key anniversaries for architectural education in Tasmania: the 70th anniversary of the establishment of an academic program in Architecture (in 1949), and the 50th anniversary of the elevation of Barrie McNeill (in 1969) to lead its radical transformation under the banner of Environmental Design. Entitled “Inhabit”, the program includes exhibitions, conferences, alumni gatherings, and research projects, both looking back to celebrate our journey and achievements, and casting forward to develop new potentials and aspirations.
Exhibition Opening | Thursday 22 August, 6.00pm
Exhibition Dates | 23 August - 22 September
