Unlike the urban structures one finds in Europe that were created with a series of walls, Tokyo consists of an assemblage of independent structures (grains). In other words, there is an underlying system in which change easily occurs based on each building. Thus, the constantly changing city of Tokyo might be seen as an incubator for new forms of architecture.

Following the huge crash of the capitalist economy in 2008, architecture lost its central urban role as an icon of financial power and a multitude of questions began to be raised concerning the ability of residential buildings that support our lives. Rather than the economic spectacle that developed in the 20th century, in this exhibition, we focus on the manner in which assemblages of quiet urban elements related to daily life lead to magnificent change in this city. In the galleries, we present three examples of residential forms that serve as a guide to the future within the context of such change.

installation view: Japan Pavilion, 12th International Architecture Exhibition
2010
courtesy: The Japan Foundation
photo: Andrea Sarti/CAST1466