The Le Corbusier Syndrome: On the Development of Modern Architecture in Japan

An interesting read, it has become apparent of the strong influence Le Corbusier had on the young and upcoming generation of architects arriving on the scene during this period of time. Using his ideas to influence ideas of their own, his work was very well known. In Japan especially, Le Corbusier’s work had been publicised within the architectural media. Interest grew and grew and soon his work was being published in magazines such a Vogue. Le Corbusier, during this era, was seen as the God of all architects, creating a new design element that had never been discovered.

His style changed throughout the years, moving into the post war era, his style was very different to what it had been previously, moving away from his more urban approach. After Corbusier’s death in 1965, his work had started to be analysed theoretically. The author speaks of how he become strongly influenced with his work and that Japan had been overwhelmed with Corbusier’s work. So, despite his death, his work still carriers on to influence, engage and inspire the work of architects to this day today. We are living the Corbusier legacy.

Although a very dense piece of text, I could withdraw some of the following information. When the Second World War hit, the Nazi’s had a very strong influence within architecture across the globe. They tried to expiate all modernist architecture, moving back into the past essentially, erasing all the work that people such as Corbusier had previously done. However, even though this was a strong movement, it did not touch Japan. Main styles of architecture had been involving in Japan through Meiji Restoration, which brought in western style. In 1870, another influence had been implemented in Japan, the Pseudo-Western which brought in European styles closely with Japanese. Examples are shown in the work of the carpenter Kisuke Shimizu and the Japan Pavilion. Sakaura mentions how Corbusier had influenced his work so strongly.

The author went on to meet Maekawa, years after the chapel at Ronchamp had been created in 1952. He states he did not understand the design elements of Ronchamp, wishing he could have asked Corbusier about his ideas behind the building. Maekawa later took part in a competition where his sketches and ideas strongly reflected the work of Corbusier, which is quite interesting in itself.

Overall, the reading, although very dense, was an interesting read. It is apparent how strongly Le Corbusier has influenced the architecture of the past and present. I also was not familiar with the very strong influences he had within Japan and Japanese architecture.