The Architecture of Fumihiko Maki [Hardcover]

Jennifer Taylor (Author), James Conner (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 24, 1999

Fumihiko Maki was born in 1928 in Tokyo and is regarded as a doyen of modern Japanese architecture. After completing his first degree at the University of Tokyo he studied at Harvard University and Cranbrook Academy, and worked with SOM and Sert, before going on to open his own office in Tokyo in 1965; a highpoint in his career was surely in 1993 when he was awarded the Pritzker Prize. Maki is one of the founders of Metabolism and continues to lead in the global architectural arena today. His architectural language is defined by meticulous detailing with rational, precise yet strongly plastic forms. Of particular importance to Maki is the complimentary relationship of his designs with the context, notably the city. In this book Jennifer Taylor places MakiÂ’s work within the context of modern architecture and the evolving circumstances and perspectives of Japan. Within this framework the author presents a number of selected buildings and projects, including the Yokohama Bayside Tower (2003), Triad (2002), the Kaze-no-Oka Crematorium in Tokyo (1997) and the Church of Christ in Tokyo (1995). In addition she assesses MakiÂ’s contribution as a teacher of architecture and as a theoretician. This book is the first comprehensive critical history of MakiÂ’s work.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jennifer Taylor is Adjunct Professor of Architecture at the Queensland of Technology in Australia. She has written more than 100 publications mainly on contemporary Australian and Japanese architecture.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Birkhäuser Architecture; 1 edition (August 24, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3764366974
• ISBN-13: 978-3764366971
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 10.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #220,598 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Informative, but...., May 9, 2008

By 

Stephen S. Coan II - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Architecture of Fumihiko Maki (Hardcover)

Very detailed, explores the concepts and reasoning behind Fumihiko's works. Covers as much of his career as anybody needs to know. In comparison with other books by/about Fumihiko, this one takes less of a look at the details within a building, and more at the themes common across his works (as a whole, and within segments of his career). Makes clear how he has evolved since the beginning of his career to his present work. Only complaint is the lack of color pictures; his buildings aren't black and white, and they shouldn't be presented as such.