Itsuko Hasegawa (Architectural Monograph No 31) [Paperback]

Itsuko Hasegawa (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1993

In 1964 Hasegawa graduated from the Department of Architecture, Kanto Gakuin University, the strongest formalist school in Japan. Since then she has challenged the current tendency to analyze in a formalist way. Koji's essay suggests that Hasegawa's work should be viewed in social terms. He dismisses those who see only a gaudy facade, asserting that Hasegawa's work should not be regarded simply as stimulating design Hasegawa recognizes the potential for society's transformation. Her dialogue-based programme allows for an empathetic approach to architecture. In her own essay, she cites the Shiranui Psychiatric Hospital and Stress Care Centre in Ohmuta, where she and the client discussed for three years the relationship between architecture and medical care, to ensure a holistic architectural response. This experimental therapeutic space was achieved through use of light reflected from the sea, which also registers the natural rhythm of the tides. Similarly, for the Shonandai Cultural Centre, Hasegawa involved the local residents in close communication with the design team. Through her reciprocal method of planning, she provides a flexible type of architecture which accepts a diversity of individuals.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons; 1st edition (August 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1854902032
• ISBN-13: 978-1854902030
• Product Dimensions: 4.7 x 4 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,870,653 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars 21 works well depicted in color, September 29, 2007

By 

Eugene Tenenbaum "reluctant reader" (Bronx, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Itsuko Hasegawa: Selected and Current Works 1976-1996 (The Master Architect Series II) (Hardcover)

It is a survey of 21 architectural projects of Itsuko Hasegawa published under ISBN 1875498559. It is different than and slightly superior to less voluminous and softbound "Itsuko Hasegawa (Architectural Monograph No 31)" published under ISBN 1854902032 and containing only 18 projects on fewer photos, and no firm profile. In both books architectural projects are well illustrated by excellent photos in color, also mostly b&w plans, sections, elevations, hard line axonometric views, hand sketches of excellent quality, and short text descriptions.

FROM PUBLISHER of ITSUKO HASEGAWA (ARCHITECTURAL MONOGRAPH NO 31)

Hasegawa graduated from the Department of Architecture, Kanto Gakuin University, the strongest formalist school in Japan, in 1964. Since then, she has challenged the present tendency to analyse in a formalist way. Taki Koji's essay. presents a new and convincing angle suggesting that Hasegawa's oeuvre should be viewed in social terms. Her projects, Koji claims, have the appearance of an aspect of society made comprehensible in the form of architecture'.

Hasegawa's work should not be viewed simply as stimulating design; her optimism is evident in her recognition of the potential for society's transformation. Through her dialogue-based programme, an empathetic approach to architecture is made possible.

Among the projects featured here is the Shiranui Psychiatric Hospital and Stress Care Centre in Ohmuta, where Hasegawa and the client spent three years discussing the relationship between architecture and medical care to en sure a holistic architectural response. Experimental therapeutic space was achieved through the use of light reflected from the sea which also provided the comfort of the natural rhythm of the tides. Similarly, for the Shonandai Cultural Centre, Hasegawa involved the local residents, allowing for close communication between the design team and the community. Through Hasegawa's reciprocal method of planning, a new, flexible architecture can be provided that accepts a diversity of individuals.