"Metabolism, the City of the Future:Dreams and Visions of Reconstruction in Postwar and Present-Day" which the first retrospective of Metabolism, a movement born from the visions of architects, upcoming exhibition starting from 17 September!
"Metabolism, the City of the Future:Dreams and Visions of Reconstruction in Postwar and Present-Day"
What is the thought of Metabolism?
Before the exhibition opens, let's learn more about Metabolism with images and cartoons."Metabolism In a Minute" (A serial in four installments to be updated every week from Thursday, 28 July.)
File-01 -The central figures in Metabolism
Tange Kenzo [1913~2005]
Illustration: Morinaga Yoh
"The World Design Conference" in 1960 was the opportunity that led to the formation of the Metabolism Group by architects Kurokawa Kisho, Kikutake Kiyonori, and Maki Fumihiko, Otaka Masato, designers Ekuan Kenji and Awazu Kiyoshi, and architecture critic Kawazoe Noboru. When they presented their ideas concerning cities undergoing metabolism in their manifesto, "METABOLISM/1960--the Proposals for a New Urbanism," the impact was significant. In turn, these young architects had been strongly influenced by architects Tange Kenzo and Asada Takashi, who were deeply involved in the reconstruction plan for Hiroshima, which has a good claim to being called the starting point of Metabolism. Here we introduce the ideas and some of the designs of the central figures in the Metabolism movement.
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Tange Kenzo [1913~2005] Tange had a massive reputation, was known and respected internationally, and was universally recognized as Japan's top architect. It is no exaggeration to say that Metabolism's birthplace was the Tange Laboratory at the University of Tokyo. In addition to national projects in Japan such as the Master Plan for Hiroshima and Hiroshima Peace Center Complex, National Gymnasiums for the Tokyo Olympics, and Osaka Expo '70, Tange has completed many projects worldwide. |
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Otaka Masato [1923~2010] Worked for Mayekawa Kunio's Mayekawa Associates, then set up his own firm, Masato Otaka Architect & Associates, in 1962. Acted in many ways as the leader of the Metabolism Group. Advocated urban planning that left scope for growth instead of finalizing all details. Major projects include the Saka-ide Housing Complex, which was built on artificial ground, and his work with Kikutake Kiyonori's team on the Master Plan for Tsukuba Expo '85. |
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Kawazoe Noboru [1926~] Writer and critic with wide-ranging interests in architecture, urban planning, and civilization. Acted as the Metabolism Group's spokesman. Organized the World Design Conference in 1960, and published METABOLISM/1960 - Proposals for a New Urbanism in collaboration with Kurokawa Kisho and others. Other publications include Kenchiku no Metsubo (The Extinction of Architecture) and Tami to Kami no Sumai (The Dwellings of the People and the Gods). |
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Kikutake Kiyonori [1928~] Established his own firm, K. Kikutake Architects, in 1953. Trained Ito Toyo and many other well-known architects. In 1960, joined Kawazoe Noboru and others in the Metabolism Group. Pursues his own original design methodologies, such as those set out in Taishiya Kenchikuron - Ka Kata Katachi (Metabolist Architecture - Order, Type, Form) and other publications. Other well-known works include his Sky House (Kikutake's own home) and the Edo-Tokyo Museum. He was also the executive producer for Expo 2005, the World Expo Aichi Japan. |
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Maki Fumihiko [1928~] Member of Tange Laboratory, then Graduate School of Design, Harvard University. Joined the Metabolism Group in 1960. Founded his own firm, Maki and Associates, in 1965. Worked on many pure modernist projects, including Spiral and TV Asahi Headquarters. His Hillside Terrace is a complex capable of growing when required, and is highly regarded as an embodiment of Metabolist ideas. Recently, his design was selected for World Trade Center Tower 4 in New York City. |
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Awazu Kiyoshi [1929~2009] Graphic designer working on posters and book covers. Participated in the Metabolism Group in 1960, then later collaborated with Kikutake Kiyonori on projects such as interior design for Hotel Tokoen. Involved in the Environment Society, which studied 'environment' as an important keyword for Metabolism. |
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Ekuan Kenji [1929~] Leading industrial designer. Founded GK Industrial Design Institute (Now GK Design Group) in 1957. Became an inaugural member of the Metabolism Group in 1960. Extended Metabolism ideas to industrial design through his philosophy of Dogu (Tools). Produced many well-known designs, including the Kikkoman Soy Sauce Table Dispenser, Yamaha motorbikes, and the Narita Express train, winning the G-mark Good Design Award and many other awards. |
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Isozaki Arata [1931~] Worked at the Tange Laboratory on projects including A Plan for Tokyo--1960, Osaka Expo '70, and Master Plan for Reconstruction of Skopje City Center, then established his own firm, Arata Isozaki & Associates in 1963. Worked on the ita Prefectural Library (now Oita Art Plaza), Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, Art Tower Mito, and many other projects, including projects in the Middle East and China. Currently working on the development of Zhengzhou, following a conceptual plan inherited from Kurokawa. Isozaki is also a preeminent thinker and the author of Kenchiku no Kaitai (Dismantling Architecture) and many other publications. |
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Kurokawa Kisho [1934~2007] Tange Laboratory member and one of the original advocates of Metabolism. Designed Nakagin Capsule Tower Building based on Metabolism theory. Worked on many other architectural and urban planning projects, including The National Art Center, Tokyo and Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Also had a keen interest in politics, running for governor of Tokyo in 2007. Many publications include Toshi Design (Urban Design) and The Philosophy of Symbiosis. |
Next...
Thu. 4 August 2011
Metabolism in a minute File-02 Reconstruction Design
■Relevant information
・"Metabolism, the City of the Future:Dreams and Visions of Reconstruction in Postwar and Present-Day"
17 September (sat), 2011 - 15 January (sun), 2012
