Kochu—Japanese Architecture: Cities & Architecture / Grand Illusion Cinema November 3, 2006

Special admission: $5 regular, $4 senior/student, $2.50 member

Kochuu—
Japanese Architecure
Influence & Origin
DAILY: 730pm & 9pm | SAT & SUN: 430pm & 6pm
Dir: Jesper Wachtmeister / 2003 / Color, video / 53 min.

Kochuu is a visually stunning film about modern Japanese architecture, its roots in the Japanese tradition, and its impact on the Nordic building tradition. Winding its way through visions of the future and traditional concepts, nature and concrete, gardens and high-tech spaces, the film explains how contemporary Japanese architects strive to unite the ways of modern man with the old philosophies in astounding constructions.

Kochuu, which translates as “in the jar,” refers to the Japanese tradition of constructing small, enclosed physical spaces, which create the impression of a separate universe. The film illustrates key components of traditional Japanese architecture, such as reducing the distinction between outdoors and indoors, disrupting the symmetrical, building with wooden posts and beams rather than with walls, modular construction techniques, and its symbiotic relationship with water, light and nature.

Kochuu is a compelling illustration of how the aesthetics of Japanese architecture and design are expressed through simple means, and also shows that the best Japanese architecture, wherever it appears, expresses spiritual qualities that enrich human life.