The Oldest Japanese Modernist taste Architecture - Katsura Imperial Villa / 桂離宮

Hi Everyone,

I would like to share some photos I took during my visit to Katsura Imperial Villa today. Katsura Imperial Villa is a villa for a great general concubine built in 1630, and later became a property of the Imperial Family during the Meiji period.

I believe that Katsura Imperial Villa has many commonalities with modernist architecture, and I would like to show you some of them. Of course, the concept of modernist architecture did not exist in 1630, so it is not an exact match in terms of requirements. However, I believe that they share the following three common values:

1.Design that incorporates nature
Katsura Imperial Villa has various gardens of different sizes scattered throughout the vast property, creating beautiful landscapes that incorporate nature. Similarly, modernist architecture actively incorporates the forces of nature such as natural light and wind, creating designs that harmonize with nature.

2.Design that emphasizes functionality
Katsura Imperial Villa was built as a villa for the shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu's concubine, and the rooms and gardens were designed with consideration for the function of a villa. Similarly, modernist architecture is characterized by designs that emphasize functionality, with building materials, spatial distribution, and furniture design all carefully considered to maximize functionality.

3.Minimal design without excess
Katsura Imperial Villa's gardens and buildings are characterized by a simple design without excess. Similarly, modernist architecture is characterized by simple and minimal designs without unnecessary decoration. The idea that the building itself has artistic value is common, and there is a shared attitude that functionality and cost should not be sacrificed in pursuit of beauty.

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