CEC diary [Kyoto/Okazaki area] Kyoto modern architecture

modern architecture

Approximately 150 years have passed since the Meiji Restoration. The famous architecture that connects Japan's modernization, post-war period, and modern times is now affectionately known as "modern architecture."

Because Kyoto suffered little damage from the earthquake and war, many modern buildings still exist. Among them, this time we will introduce three buildings built around the Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art in the Okazaki area.

Modern architecture introduced this time

・ROHM Theater

・Kyoto Prefectural Library

・Heian Shrine

ROHM Theater Kyoto

ROHM Theater Kyoto (1960) was designed by Kunio Maekawa and has been a beloved theater in this area for many years. What's eye-catching about this building is the bold pilotis of the lower structure and the heavy reinforced concrete structure.

“Piloti was proposed by Maekawa's mentor, Le Corbusier, and its purpose is to open the space to the public by removing the structure on the first floor and raising the building.

If you look closely at the pillars of the piloti, you can see the grain of the wood. In this building, by intentionally adopting formwork that makes use of wood grain in the concrete, it is possible to express ``warmth'' even though it is a reinforced concrete building.

The architect's commitment to things like this that if people don't know about, no one will notice. That may be the reason why people flock to ROHM Theater Kyoto.

Light, wind, sound, and pilotis that attract people

Kyoto Prefectural Library

Japan's first public library, the Kyoto Prefectural Library, was established in 1909.

It was designed by Goichi Takeda, the ``father of modern Kansai architecture.'' After studying abroad in Europe for three years, he established himself in Kyoto and left behind numerous works.

Do you know anyone who watches the NHK morning drama “Gochisousan”? He is also the model for "Professor Takemoto" (Mr. Tsuyoshi Muro).

A wonderful fusion of "curves and straight lines" and "Western and Japanese" styles. It has a classic and elegant atmosphere.

It is also one of the first buildings to use terracotta (large ceramics for architectural decoration), which was very popular before the war.

However, it was damaged by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995. Later, only the facade (front) part was preserved and a new addition was added, resulting in its current appearance.

Heian Shrine

Heian Shrine was built in 1891 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the transfer of the capital to Heian. It was built to imitate the Daigokuden in Heiankyo, but the roof is made of green glazed tiles, making it even more reminiscent of the Heian period.

It is said that Chuta Ito, who also built Gionkaku, was involved in the design. Apparently, this was the first building Ito designed when he was a graduate student, and as a fellow university student, I can't hide my surprise.

The area in front of Heian Shrine is always crowded.

The charm of modern architecture

How was it.

This time, we introduced three modern buildings: the ROHM Theater from the Showa period, the Kyoto Prefectural Library from the late Meiji period, and Heian Shrine from the mid-Meiji period. One of the charms of modern architecture is that you can learn about history through architecture.

Even the slightly retro-looking buildings that you may have casually passed by up until now actually have a deep history. By ``knowing'' this kind of history, you can enjoy a different landscape than usual.

May your travels be filled with wonderful experiences.

Special thanks to Naotake Maeda, Planning Promotion Director, Kyocera Museum of Art, Kyoto

Please contact https://www.cec-kyoto.jp/ for information on ordering a Kyoto guide.