Japanese architecture

Modern architecture of Japan, like in ancient times, preserves simplicity and harmony. These two characteristics are invariably present in everything that is born in this country. Great influence on the formation of aesthetic principles in the construction of Japanese buildings had a local climate, as well as the traditions and beliefs of the people.

Before the construction of the famous temples, monasteries, palaces, people's dwellings were arranged in the form of dugouts, the roofs of which were made of branches and straw. Later, buildings began to be built on stilts. Roofs began to make gable. In such premises lived elders and important people. These buildings were used as storage for grain, thus protecting the harvest from rodents, dampness and weather.

Japanese architecture of the next period of development (Kofun) has special features. Began to erect buildings for the nobility and rulers - the tomb. Kofuns (burial mounds), being symbols of an established cult, had impressive sizes and were constructed in various forms. The tombs could be in the form of rectangular or round mounds, hexagons. The most common were keyhole constructions . Mounds are often renewed with water moats, thus limiting access to the burial.

Japanese architecture of the period of the construction of Shinto buildings is very simple. In the buildings massive pillars were used as a support and a light roof covered with straw. The Shinto constructions were the sanctuary and abode for the spirits "kami". Japanese architecture has always been distinguished by the desire to connect buildings with the landscape. The period of Shinto buildings was not an exception. The Japanese used an unpainted tree, built open verandas using straight lines. Buildings harmoniously fit into the surrounding nature and had an uncomplicated natural appearance.

To this day, the gates of the "thorium" - the type of Shinto constructions - have been preserved. They served as an entrance to the temple or sometimes set up in the middle of a field or a forest. The thoria, consisting of two pillars and transverse bars, which do not have wings, had a ritual purpose.

The prevalence of wood as a building material in Japan was not accidental. In open, light houses, a hot climate is easier to tolerate. In addition, simple wooden structures can be easily disassembled, moved and collected in a new location. It is also important that the tree has greater stability and flexibility to earthquakes than any other materials.

Japanese architecture has acquired more complex features with the advent of Buddhism in the country. The layout of temples of that period includes pagodas, separate dining and sleeping rooms, towers.

As a material for the foundation, the Japanese begin to use stone. This makes it possible to create stable and large buildings.

The new religion affected not only the architecture of the temples, but also the estates of the nobility and the dwelling of the common people.

At that time, such styles of architecture as "siden" (sleeping hall, in translation), "soyin" (studio or library) began to develop.

Houses built in the style of "siden" were distinguished by the presence of a spacious hall - the main part of the room. In the internal layout, the division into rooms was not used, personal space could be separated if necessary by a screen or a bamboo screen suspended from the ceiling. On the plank floor there must have been a mat - "tatami".

The room, arranged in the style of "soyin", on the contrary, differed in the separation into separate zones. Inseparable components of the decor were the doors to the veranda, the niche in the room, the office table, the stepped shelf, the surrounding niche.

Despite the fact that modern Japanese architecture is developing under the influence of modernization, which brought a huge number of technological innovations, it features features of traditional architecture.