Abstract

The Japanese architect, Arata Isozaki is one of the most innovative and influential architects working today. Over the last 35 years he has created an impressive oeuvre, spread over many continents. Based on his lecture given at the Royal Academy in London, June 1995, this polemic presents Isozaki's view on island nation aesthetics; he argues for the origin of singularity of aesthetics as seen in the culture of Japan, especially in terms of space, design and traditional organisation of life. Japan is an island nation, with an invisible boundary where the exterior automatically becomes the interior. Where will the destruction of such conditions lead its aesthetics at the end of this century? This influential architect has a history and point of view which will inspire the reader.