Abstract
In this paper the characteristics of the relationship between exterior spatial composition and the facade design in contemporary Japanese commercial buildings are typologically clarified. Firstly their facade design patterns by their opening and material features with volume articulation are analyzed. Secondly their exterior spatial compositions by volumes accompanied with articulated outside are analyzed. Thirdly the relationship between the facade design pattern and the exterior spatial composition is analyzed, and several typological features, characterized as 'surface expression by screen-like material', 'exposing interior space through the glass wall', 'street-like open space through the window facade', 'layers of glass volume and wall volume', 'shape expression with various materials' are found. In the conclusion, it is pointed out that the compositional form of the contemporary Japanese commercial buildings can be defined by the interactive articulation of exterior volumes with the difference of patterns on the facade.
