The Eight Characteristics of Japanese Architecture
The traditional Japanese Architecture is one of the most unique styles of Architecture amongst all the others. It's appearance, especially to those who are new to it, can be perceived as something simple, dignified and beautiful. Influenced by the Chinese, Japanese Architecture is made up with these eight elements...
Wood – Most structures in Japan, especially in temples, are made using wood. This is due to the weather and natural disasters.
Roof – The roofs are curvy not only for their aesthetic but for their specific role in the structure. Japanese architecture is created using four types of roofs: Irimoya (hip and gable roof), kirizuma (gabled roof), hogyo (square pyramidal roof) and yosemune (hipped roof).
Shoji and Fusuma – Shoji (moveable screens) and fusuma (sliding doors) are mostly found internally to divide rooms.
Shoji
Fusuma
Tatami – Is the mat found internally and it is made of rice straw and soft rush with cloth edges.
Engawa – Engawa, meaning edge side, merges the inside and the outside of the house.
Genkan – A place inside a home where the floor is sunken lower than the rest of the house. Usually, to put shoes or any footwear before walking inside.
Nature – As well as it’s beautiful architecture, the Japanese are well known for its well kept gardens.
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