Many-faceted study on Kunihiko Yamakoshi's ecological vision of housing

learning from the thought and the practice of the pioneer of ecological design on housing

Abstract

In the 1930's Kunihiko Yamakoshi had tried importation of new technologies at that time in his two experimental housing projects as follows; 1) Dry construction (trockene Montage Bau) for flexible improvement with the advance of inhabitants, 2) Radiant floor heating systems for comfortable environment based on physiology, 3) Housing facilities for acclimating a human being to an ecosystem. This trial implied his criticism to modernization leading to dehumanization for the reason of a close relation with life phenomena. It is possible to regard him as an avant-gard architect judging from his searching for an alternative way to the Modern Architecture with these technologies, and his attitude is suggestive for us in the face of environmental issues today.