Join
SAH/SCC for the fourth installment in the series VISUAL WORLD with Victoria
Lautman: “Tradition and Transformation Past and Present Influences of Japanese
Architecture” at the historic Neutra Office Building, 2379 Glendale Boulevard
in Silver Lake and via Zoom.
“Japanese-inspired” is a catch-all term being
deployed with increasing frequency to describe and sell homes, emphasizing
features like sliding doors, natural materials, the fluidity of indoor/outdoor
spaces, and serene gardens or courtyards. But these elements are also
interchangeable with those of mid-century Modernism, especially in California where
the DNA shared between traditional Japanese architecture and that of west-coast
design extends beyond superficial aesthetics. With architectural historian and
author Sian Winship, we’ll look at the compelling history of first-generation
Japanese American architects in Los Angeles whose lives were suddenly derailed
during detention in WWII, but whose forward-looking Modernism eventually took
root. And along with architect, writer, and photographer Takashi Yanaii we’ll
also explore the fundamental concepts of classic Japanese architecture and how
they’re being incorporated into contemporary homes by EYRC Architects.
Takashi Yanai, FAIA is a Partner at Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney
Architects where he’s been Residential Studio Director since 2004 and leads
their San Francisco office. Prior to practicing architecture he was a design
journalist and editor at GA Houses in Tokyo, where his work provided the seeds
for his design philosophy. In 2017 he was elevated to the AIA College of
Fellows in recognition of his residential work, and also chaired the National
AIA Committee on Design for 2021. He serves on the SFMOMA Photography
Accessions as well as the Architecture+Design Accessions Committees.
An architectural historian, preservation
consultant, and writer, Sian Winship specializes in modern architecture and
cultural history. As President of the Society of Architectural Historians/
Southern California Chapter, she has curated numerous architectural tours and
events. She is the author of the award-winning Japanese American Historic Context for SurveyLA, along with Women’s Rights Context for SurveyLA, a contributing author to the book William Krisel’s
Palm Springs, and numerous successful National Register nominations.
VISUAL WORLD with Victoria
Lautman explores the constructed environment in its various forms:
architecture, design, fashion, art, landscape, or the intersection of several.
A long-time cultural journalist and former host on Chicago Public
Radio, Lautman has contributed to dozens of international newspapers and
magazines including Architectural Digest, Architectural Record,
Metropolitan Home, Elle Décor, and many others. In 2017 she
published the The Vanishing Stepwells of India (Merrell,
London), a groundbreaking book about the little-known architectural marvels,
with her photographs featured in several exhibitions including at the UCLA’s
Fowler Museum.
“Tradition and Transformation,” Saturday, July
27that 11AM. 2379 Glendale Boulevard, Silver Lake, also available
via Zoom. SAH/SCC members and non-members $5 per ticket. Light refreshments
will be served. Zoom link will be sent upon purchase. We regret that this venue
is not ADA accessible. Street parking only.
