Modernisation in the 20th century has deeply transformed Japanese society, bringing economic wealth and social well-being, but also increasing divisions and specialisation in society. This transformation has been increasingly questioned in recent years, and finds expression in architectural projects.

As the catalogue for the Japanese Pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2018, this book examines the role of architectural drawings in this reappraisal, as they form the basis on which a common approach in the design of individualised yet shared environments in today’s globalised society can be formulated. It proposes architectural ethnography as a methodology of social engagement.

Modernisation in the 20th century has deeply transformed Japanese society, bringing economic wealth and social well-being, but also increasing divisions and specialisation in society. This transformation has been increasingly questioned in recent years, and finds expression in architectural projects.

As the catalogue for the Japanese Pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2018, this book examines the role of architectural drawings in this reappraisal, as they form the basis on which a common approach in the design of individualised yet shared environments in today’s globalised society can be formulated. It proposes architectural ethnography as a methodology of social engagement.