"Photographic books amplify a desire for an architecture which simply can't be found in our surroundings. In such a situation, then suddenly architectural design holds no interest anymore; the future appears depressing. If we can't try to turn 'disgusting' buildings into resources, then there is no reason to particularly stay in Tokyo. Surely we can start to think about how to take advantage of them, rather than trying to run away. Shamelessness can become useful. [...]
The buildings we were attracted to were ones giving a priority to stubborn honesty in response to their surroundings and programmatic requirements, without insisting on architectural aesthetic and form. We decided to call them 'Da-me Architecture' (no-good architecture), with all our love and disdain. Most of them are anonymous buildings, not beautiful, and not accepted in architectural culture to date. [...] We thought that although these buildings are not explained by the city of Tokyo, they do explain what Tokyo is."
Momoyo Kajima, Junzo Kuroda, Yoshiharu Tsukamoto from Made in Tokyo
This is part of a collection of featured quotes on cities. They don't necessarily reflect our views, just things that may be interesting. Please feel welcome to add others.
Credits: Image of Tokyo by Min Li Chan.
interesting quote. and the photo is perfect. i love the building with the huge brown lattice work going around it - like the fencing used by convenience store operators to close down for the night. this view shows the beauty in da-me architecture.
ReplyDeleteNice image of Tokyo! I remember when I was driving in to Tokyo, that the suburban architecture was extremely depressing. Thankfully Tokyo itself fared better. -- Dissidente.
ReplyDeleteI want to wish the old Tokyo one of my good night quotes
ReplyDeleteI wish upon a star
That everyone can have friends
As kind as you areBecause if they did
The world would be
A happy place filled with gleeTo you my friend
I'll have to say
You always somehow
Make my dayThank you friend
For all you do
These words I say
Are sincere and true
GOOD NIGHT!