Koichi Takada: Naturalizing Architecture

Sydney-based, Japanese architect Takada highlights his evolving approach to design, nature, and urbanism.

This volume presents a new collection of Takada’s most recent projects, pushing further his continuing reflections on reconnecting the natural world with the built environment. Featuring breathtaking photography of his buildings and interiors, along with sketches and nature-inspired imagery, the book guides readers through Takada’s global work and innovations. The climate positive residence Sunflower House in Italy has a rotating roof and floors to manage sun exposure and heat gain; the Landmark by Lexus pavilion in Melbourne has 1,000 native Australian plants growing on its facade that granted it a carbon neutral certification; the Palm Frond Retreat at Balmoral Beach in Australia is designed for the inhabitants to use different parts of the house depending on the season and time of day, creating positive impact within homes. Each project illustrates Takada’s study of how the present ecological constrains weigh on the architectural design processes and how the reality of our densely built habitats changes the perception we have of buildings and cities, offering a compelling look at environmentally conscious architecture today and to the future evolution of the practice.

About the Author

Koichi Takada graduated from AA School of Architecture, London, and established his own practice, Koichi Takada Architects, in 2008.

Philip Jodidio is a specialist in contemporary architecture. As well as having been the editor in chief of the French art magazine Connaissance des Arts for more than twenty years, he is the author of over 100 books on architecture and art.