Jun Aoki's Unbuilt Houses

Jun Aoki's
Unbuilt Houses
Shaping Career and Manifesto

Jun Aoki, renowned for his commercial works with Louis Vuitton Malletier, embarked on his professional journey like many architects before him - by designing villa projects or single-scale family houses, often unbuilt. This time-honored tradition, dating back to the Palladio era, allowed architects to shape their careers and find their creative voice through the practice of architecture. Aoki's unbuilt projects serve as not only stepping stones but also as a means to write his architectural manifesto. This article explores three of Aoki's unbuilt projects - the T House, Z House, and R House - that exemplify his early career and showcase his innovative design concepts.

Jun Aoki

1. T House (1993): Contrasting Spaces Harmonized

The T House, proposed in 1993, presents a bold design concept of two distinct spaces. It features a trapezoidal residential portion elevated above a tunnel-like residential area excavated into the hillside. Aoki's vision demonstrates his ability to harmonize contrasting spaces within a single dwelling. The T House serves as a testament to his early experimentation and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of architectural design.

2. Z House (1997): Spiraling Elegance

Proposed in 1997, the Z House showcases Aoki's mastery of dynamic forms. It features a double spiral design with a rectangular plan. The spiral slabs, originating from separate entrances at either end of the house, gracefully intertwine and lead to a breathtaking rooftop garden. Aoki's proposal allows inhabitants to seamlessly switch from one spiral to the other at midlevel. The Z House embodies his innovative approach and his ability to create visually captivating residential experiences.

3. R House (2003): Structural Harmony and Spatial Delight

The R House, proposed in 2003, demonstrates Aoki's expertise in blending structure and space. Situated in the middle of the site, it features slabs with reinforced concrete walls, supported by steel angle columns. The third and fourth floors house rooms within the steel-frame columns, while the first floor spaces lie outside. Aoki's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the seamless integration of materials and the creation of harmonious living environments. The R House showcases his dedication to both aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency.

Jun Aoki's Unbuilt Houses

Jun Aoki, renowned for his commercial works with Louis Vuitton Malletier, began his architectural journey by designing unbuilt solo houses and villa projects. These early endeavors not only shaped his career trajectory but also allowed him to articulate his architectural manifesto. The T House, Z House, and R House exemplify Aoki's innovative design concepts and his ability to harmonize contrasting elements, create dynamic forms, and merge structure with spatial delight. Collaborating with esteemed architects such as Arata Isozaki and Shigeru Ban further influenced his unique design sensibility. As we celebrate Aoki's illustrious career, let us acknowledge the significance of his unbuilt projects, which continue to inspire architects and shape the future of architectural innovation. In 2005, Aoki's contributions were recognized with the bunkachō geijutsu senshō from the Japanese Office for Art and Culture, further solidifying his status as an influential figure in the world of architecture.
Amir abbas Aboutalebi, SEP 2023

Renowned Japanese Architects and Artists to Participate in MA Exhibition in Iran

Tehran, Iran - SEP 1, 2023 - Villa Magazine is thrilled to announce the participation of a distinguished group of contemporary Japanese architects and artists in the upcoming third MA Exhibition, set to take place in Iran in 2023-2024. This exhibition serves as a tribute to the visionary architect Arata Isozaki, honoring his wish for this event before his passing.

The Villa Magazine's editorial board will be actively engaged in hosting insightful discourses, conducting interviews, and producing captivating documentaries featuring esteemed Japanese architects, artists, and professors. Renowned figures such as Ruye Sejima, Shigeru Ban, Jun Aoki, Mokoto Sei Watanabe, Riichi Miyake, and more will share their perspectives on the profound impact of the In-betweenness (MA) concept pioneered by Arata Isozaki. They will explore how this concept has fostered architectural innovations and stimulated meaningful conversations and cultural exchanges.

This collaboration between Villa Magazine, Archi-Depot Tokyo, and the Japan Foundation aims to delve into the transformative power of the MA concept and its role in shaping architectural landscapes and artistic expressions. By showcasing the works and ideas of these contemporary Japanese architects and artists, the MA Exhibition seeks to ignite dialogue, inspire creativity, and foster cultural exchange.

The MA Exhibition promises to be a landmark event, providing a platform for architects, artists, design enthusiasts, and the general public to immerse themselves in the visionary creations and insights of these esteemed Japanese participants. Villa Magazine invites everyone to mark their calendars and join this immersive architectural and artistic experience in Iran in 2023-2024.

For media inquiries, please contact:

info@villamagazine.ir

About Villa Magazine:
Focusing on Experimental Villa projects, Iconic/Solo houses, and Hidden/Lost/Forgotten single-family treasures, Villa Magazine is a leading publication dedicated to exploring and celebrating the world of architecture, design, and innovation. With a global audience of architects, artists, designers, and enthusiasts, Villa Magazine provides a platform for thought-provoking discussions, insightful interviews, and captivating visual content that inspires and informs.