Developments in Japanese Timber Architecture

Although timber as a structural material has been neglected for most of this century, there appears to bean upsurge in its use. Given the high quality of design exhibited in these case studies, and that some are by leading designers, further developments in Japanese timber design are likely to continue. Contemporary Japanese timber designers often seem to draw inspiration from traditional construction practices. They are also prepared to explore timber's potential in less common forms to express their design ideas. The combination of modern technology with the traditionally exploited natural qualities of timber can be expected to continue to be developed. New Zealand timber designers should seek to emulate the creativity displayed by their Japanese colleagues.