metareview

because i was not feeling inspired to write a follow up on that book review and other thoughts (which you can read here) (PF came home for the weekend, i had a lunch date and some more other dates) i decided to remain lazy instead by posting a series of reviews of the book here:

"Shaking the Foundations reveals the passions hidden behind the cool, abstract exterior of the Japanese design scene. Through a series of in-depth interviews renowned architects such as Tadao Ando, Arata Isozaki, and Kazuo Shinohara speak out on issues ranging from the philosophies of Japanese Modernism to the politics of urban planning in Japanese cities. Often contradictory, but never dull, these interviews offer compelling insights into contemporary Japanese culture." (this one did not have the name of the reviewer...)


and

When the inevitable backlash comes against the cult of Koolhaas, one of the charges against him will be that his polemic about Asian architecture and urbanism is based on a shaky understanding of the countries involved. Koolhaas will no doubt be accused of creating a modern form of what Edward Said termed 'Orientalism'; that is, the tendency to impose a Western construct on Eastern cultures (Murray Fraser, November 1999). (An abstract of the longer article which can only be rad if you are a paid subscriber. Though short, this might be the best comment I've read so far because it reminds me of how Filipinos tend to view Filipino history and culture (yes, including architecture): with western eyes. I will not even begin to tell you how a licensed Filipino female architect called me un-nationalistic after saying that i do not expect Filipinos to really win in international competition. I am digressing, yes. Just because i was not all praises for Filipino works does not mean i do not like being a Filipino nor am i not nationalistic, because for one, I STAYED. HERE. I work here, in the Philippines.) (And also because when i first watched a Koolhaas interview (or documentary--was it?) about his China exploits he looked very haughty. And also because PF said he's really that. a snob.)

Third and last, the omnipresent Amazon Review:

Questioning the spirit of Japanese architecture today, this book tries to identify the mind-set and philosophy driving some of the world's foremost eastern designers. It reveals the personalities and passions behind the cool, abtract exterior of the Japanese design scene in the form of a collection of interviews. Renowned architects speak out on issues ranging from the rebirth of Japanese design after World War II to progressive technologies, while newcomers disclose the trials and tribulation of "making it" in today's competitive market. If past and present are any indication of the future, then this volume predicts that Japanese architecture will gain a stronger foothold and following in global design theory in the decades to come.

that's all folks!