'windowology' exhibition at japan house london explores windows as cultural objects

from 16 april to 28 june 2020, japan house london presents windowology: new architectural views from japan, a multidisciplinary exhibition exploring the role of windows as cultural objects. combining the architecture of windows, photography, manga, craft and technology, the exhibition looks at the ways in which windows frame our vision to give us unique perspectives on the world.photos by takumi oita photography co. ltd unless stated otherwise

all courtesy of japan house london

windowology: new architectural views from japan is produced by the window research institute, an incorporated tokyo-based foundation dedicated to the development of architectural culture. under the direction of architectural historian and critic igarashi tarõ, this free exhibition at japan house london explores the significance of windows beyond their primary architectural function – that of a dividing space that lets in light and keeps in heat– to consider the impact they have on each of us, every day. unlike houses made of bricks and mortar, japanese architecture has traditionally made use of pillars and beams to create structures which allow for flexible, moveable spaces in which windows and openings can be created at will by the sliding of a screen.

the concept of windows in japanese architecture is fundamentally different from that of other cultures since the space within a japanese building may be dramatically altered in a single day; an opening may be created to reveal hidden gardens, or spaces may be separated to create new rooms. at the same time, the exhibition explores how windows can be associated with specific cultures; how the ‘dreh-kipp’ windows originating in germany tilt, while ‘french windows’ open from the middle and japanese windows may slide horizontally. displays within the exhibition include: windows on teahouses, windows on craft, windows on manga, windows on how we live now, windows on storytelling, windows on film, and windows on the environment.

‘we regard windows not only as a part of architecture, but as being related intimately to people’s lives and physical actions; and have taken the approach of deciphering the significance of windows from various different perspectives,’ says the director of the window research institute while commenting on the exhibition. ‘this japan house touring exhibition will provide an excellent opportunity to introduce windowology research originated in japan.’

still from the movie ‘index of window sounds and movements’ 2019. researched by yoh komiyama. directed by tomohiro okazakistill from the film ‘transition of kikugetsutei’, 2019. produced by the norihito nakatani seminar waseda university. directed by kenji-seo

room room, by takeshi hosaka architect, from the tokyo no ie (tokyo houses) series © jérémie souteyrat

a life with large opening by ondesign & partners © jérémie souteyrat
photo by tadasu yamamoto. installation view at open space 2016, media conscious ntt intercommunication center icc tokyo, 2016