An Investigation into the Development of the Spatial Concept of the In-Between Space in the Netherlands and Japan in the 20th Century

An Investigation into the Development of the Spatial Concept of the In-Between Space in the Netherlands and Japan in the 20th Century

Vink, Femke (TU Delft Architecture and the Built Environment)

Edens, J.C. (mentor)

Delft University of Technology

Architecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences

AR2A011

2021-04-15

In-between spaces are the gradual transition spaces between two opposites; between inside and outside or public and private. This research will investigate the motives and implementation of the concept within Dutch and Japanese architecture, as it is widely used within architecture of these countries. Because the in-between space concept is perceived differently by architects, theories and works of two Dutch and two Japanese architects are investigated. The Dutch architects are Aldo van Eyck (1918-1999) and Herman Hertzberger (1932) and Japanese architects are Kisho Kurokawa (1934-2007) and Sou Fujimoto (1971). This research reveals that the in-between space concept emerged as a response to the modern movement in the Netherlands. Van Eyck and Hertzberger strived for more human centred architecture and therefore implemented in-between spaces in their buildings. Kurokawa and Fujimoto are both influenced by Japanese culture. The in-between space concept is traced back to the Buddhism origin of the country. Even though the motives of the architects of both countries are different, the implementation is similar. The Dutch architects emphasise the human relationship with each other slightly more, whereas the Japanese architects emphasise the relationship between humans and their environment more. The ambiguous character of an in-between space leaves room for interpretation, providing new perceptions and a different spatial experience. The in-between space is a space in it’s own right and therefore just as important as other spaces.

AR2A011
in between space
Japan
Netherlands
Aldo van Eyck
Herman Hertzberger
Kisho Kurokawa
Sou Fujimoto

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:51d81c1b-f6e3-4284-ba5a-30a7780d3f2c

2021-04-15

Student theses

student report

© 2021 Femke Vink