The Representation of Japanese Traditional Cultural Values in the Contemporary Architecture of Residential Space

For Japan last two decades presented ideal circumstances for the development of new and exciting ideas in architecture and design. However, due to strong connection with nature and religious and philosophical aspects of life Japanese architectures have created new methods to re-evaluate traditional elements in contemporary architecture of residential space. Generally stated, the purpose of the proposed research project is to establish the ways of representation of traditional elements in contemporary architecture in Japan. Moreover, the paper demonstrates what cultural and historical traditions and customs made an impact on development of Japanese architecture. We aim to reveal how historical transformations of culture and society affect the definition of aesthetics and standards of beauty and provide a detailed look into the motives of contemporary Japanese architects. This project will consist of comparison between Japanese and Western contemporary architecture of residential space and content analysis to investigate what religious and philosophical ideas and elements are represented in architecture.