Interlocking Timber Joint in Kengo Kuma's Works

INTERLOCKING TIMBER JOINT IN KENGO KUMA’S WORK

KHOR XIN SUAN 2018

CONTENT

INTRODUCTION

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METHODOLOGY

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INTERLOCKING

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REVEALING

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CONCLUSION

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

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APPENDIX

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Figure 1.1: Forrest in Japan.

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INTRODUCTION JAPAN WOOD

Japan is one of the countries which has the most advanced technique of wood construction. Many ancient temples built on the seventh and eighth century has an adaptation of foreign architectural forms introduced by Buddhism, and evidence of construction using advanced timber joinery technique.1 The rich forest environment in Japan that encouraged an almost exclusive concentration on wood construction, resulted in the highly developed joinery techniques.

Apart from that, Japan is subjected to numerous earthquakes and typhoons every year makes wood a preferable material.

The wooden structures which has smaller mass, allowed better flexibility to withstand the changing conditions, and the destructive force compare to stone and brick construction.

Japanese traditional timber construction passed down generation to generation developed a long history of woodwork technique. Their traditional craftsmen are specialised in creating architecture ranging from furniture, temples, houses, tea houses and shrines without the use of any nails, screws, or power tools.2 This has resulted from their excellent knowledge in joinery.

Joinery involves the creation of interlocking joints that join together carefully selected pieces of wood. By using all-natural technique, structures have higher strength and more flexible.3 The fact that they have to rebuild their shrine or sanctuaries every twenty years further enhanced their ability to design joinery system for reconstruction.

1. “The Magic of Trees: Architecture and Woodworking in Japan.: Seattle Japanese Garden. Accessed April 13, 2018. https://www.seattlejapanesegarden.org/blog/2017/6/14/the-magic-of-trees-architecture-and-woodworking-in-japan 2. “Japanese Carpentry.” Japanese Guest Houses Japanese Carpentry. Accessed April 10, 2018. https://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/japanese-carpentry/ 3. “Japanese Woodwork: A Traditional Hundreds of Years Old, but Still as Cool as Ever (Video).” SoraNews24. January 11, 2015. Accessed April 11, 2018. https://soranews24.com/2015/01/11/japanese-woodwork-a-traditional-hundreds-of-years-old-but-still-as-cool-as-ever-video/

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Figure 1.2: Portrait of Kengo Kuma.

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KENGO KUMA

Born in 1954 in Yokohama, Japan, Kengo Kuma received his architectural education in the School of Engineering at Tokyo University and New York’s Columbia University. He founded the Spatial Design Studio in 1987 before establishing Kengo Kuma & Associates. Kengo Kuma & Associates began in 1990,4 but the Japanese economic crisis in 1991 had changed his thinking. During that period of time, he was forced to bring the firm out of Tokyo to several small towns, like Tohoku and Shibuya, working with traditional Japanese craftsmen on smaller scale projects.

He gets the opportunity to expose to traditional Japanese craftsmanship and materials. Since then, he began to question the architectural theories he previously had and started to change his ideology.5 He attempted to replace the industrial material with an alternative from his own traditional architecture. It was here that he learned to value natural materials, the natural settings and vernacular techniques that he so proudly integrates into his architecture today.

“I am emphasising the aspect of aging or the time of shrinking...

Things decay and disappear. The role of architecture is to remind people of this fact, and to show how things can age beautifully.” 6 “After the disasters in 2011, I changed my definition to nature. The criteria for architecture after the tsunami is humbleness.” Kengo Kuma said. 7 The destruction caused by the tsunami triggered by an undersea earthquake in March 2011 shattered the coastal city of Tohoku. It shows the extreme power of the mother nature.

The disaster stroke Kuma and led him to question the perceived strength of steel and concrete as our building materials. He proposed and reintroduced wood instead, in his design as a fair and practical mediator between humans and nature.

Because metals are susceptible to rust, joint systems that used metals were not very dependable owing to the country’s frequent rainfall and high humidity.7 Hence, he brings back joint systems that do not rely on nails or adhesives.

4.“Kengo Kuma Explains How His Architectural Style Was Formed by Financial Crisis.” ArchDaily. December 24, 2017. Accessed March 25, 2018. https://www.archdaily.com/885980/kengo-kuma-explains-how-his-architectural-style-was-formed-by-financial-crisis 5.“Designer Spotlight: Kengo Kuma.” Revolution Pre-Crafted Properties. August 17, 2017. Accessed April 11, 2018. https://revolutionprecrafted.com/blog/designer-spotlight-kengo-kuma/ 6.“Interview: Kengo Kuma - Sharing the Same Shadows.” DesignCurial. Accessed April 12, 2018 http://www.designcurial.com/news/kengo-kuma-sharing-the-same-shadows-by-clare-farrow 7.Howarth, Dan. “The Criteria for Architecture is Humbleness,” Says Kengo Kuma.” Dezeen. July 12, 2016. Accessed April 7, 2018. https://www.dezeen.com/2014/03/11/kengo-kuma-interview-architecture-after-2011-japan-tsunami/

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This paper features timber projects done by Kengo Kuma and his team that incorporate interlocking joint systems. It discussed the background of each ancient joinery system, for instance, Cidori joint, Jigoku-gumi and Sunmou joint, and how they are modified and used for different projects. Drawings which divided into two series, the ‘Interlocking’ and ‘Revealing’ translate the complex systems into simple and basic drawings so that they are easily understood. ‘Interlocking’ series showing, step-by-step, the construction of assembly system while ‘Revealing’ series compare the Kuma’s joint with Chinese and Japanese traditional techniques. This paper is aimed to produce a collection of drawings, presentation and writing, through a minimalist style about the timber interlocking projects by architect Kengo Kuma.

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METHODOLOGY

The purpose of this paper is to study the timber joinery system used in Kengo Kuma’s project. In order to achieve this, drawings have become the main method for analyzing the intricate systems. Orthographic drawings, for instance, section, elevations, and exploded axonometric, detail drawings, as well as diagrams are used to study how the system works. Comparisons of the traditional woodwork between Chinese and Japanese influences were carried out to justify the similarities and identify the differences in terms of the joining techniques, sizes, connecting members, and sequences.

Video clips of the making of construction of the joints were used in order to get a better understanding of the shape of notches and how it locks to the next members. A clearer image

of the sequence of the assembled interlocking unit also can be achieved.

Video interviews and lectures given by Kengo Kuma talking about his experiences, his philosophy, and projects were studied to find out the inspiration behind the creation.

Photographs and images of Kuma’s projects were analyzed to figure out the position of the joints. Sometimes, hidden connections that cannot be seen from architecture drawings or read from a text, can be found out while analyzing the photograph. In additions, books, journals, and articles were studied to identify the joinery system, the relationship between different cultures and how they influence the concept for each project.

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INTERLOCKING CIDORI

Kengo Kuma’s timber projects were developed from a series of experiments. The timber interlocking joint series started in 2004 when Kengo Kuma and his team studied Cidori, a type of joinery of the traditional Japanese architecture. Cidori is a Japanese puzzle toy for children originated from Hida Takayama, a town in Gifu known for technically sophisticated carpentry.8 The traditional joint passed down since ancient times. It is an assembly of three wooden sticks that joined together on x, y, and z-axes without using any nails or metal fittings.

Each wooden sticks have been carved in different ways and the special notches allow them to interlock at a single point. There are one cylindrical carve and two angular carves. As the pieces of wood sticks interlocked in a specific way, the cylindrical one can be rotated 180 degrees to fit in the gap created by the other

two wooden sticks.9 In this way, the joint is hidden inside giving clean and neat design.

The first project that featured the wood joint is Cidori, a pavilion structure exhibits in Milano Salone 2007, sharing the same name of the Japanese joint. In collaboration with structural engineer Jun Sato, they modernized the Cidori system and use it in a small pavilion.

Under the Cidori system, notches are made at points along the Japanese cypress members. They were cut in 30 mm square and were secured to each other by twisting them. The straight members are assembled into cloud-like lattice structure that does not require hardware joint.10 This was the first in a series of projects using slender wooden members that architectural historian Charles Jencks has termed “stick style”.11

8. ”Kengo Kuma and Associates.” Kengo Kuma and Associates. Accessed January 13, 2018. http://kkaa.co.jp/works/architecture/cidori/.

9. Andreea, Mocanu. “Toys Inspired Furniture by Kengo Kuma and Associates.” Home Decorating Trends - Homedit. February 13, 2015. Accessed April 13, 2018. https://www.homedit.com/toys-inspired-furniture-by-kengo-kuma-and-associates/.

10. Griffiths, Alyn. “Chidori Furniture by Kengo Kuma and Associates.” Dezeen. August 14, 2012. Accessed April 13, 2018. https://www.dezeen.com/2011/11/07/chidori-furniture-by-kengo-kuma-and-associates/.

11. Kipnis, Jeffrey. “Cidori.” Kengo Kuma: A LAB for Materials, March 2018, pg 44-45

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Cidori System

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Figure 1.3: Sketch of the Cidori furniture by Kengo Kuma.

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CIDORI FURNITURE

After the earthquake that hit Japan, Kengo Kuma started the East Japan Project. East Japan (or Tohoku region) Project is a collaboration between architects and local craftsmen in the region, offering support for communities involved in the devastating disaster.12 They have an intention to take

Cidori modular furniture collection with the knowledge of the interlocking system. The pieces are made by highly skilled local carpenters that have been traditionally collaborated in manufacturing small-scale crafts.

traditional design concepts and apply them to the contemporary way of living.13

Twelve wooden sticks are used in the modular.14 They are slotted together without glue to form one unit. Each unit of Cidori can be connected to from all six sides allowed for a various possible combination. Hence, it provides a countless possibility to become anything from a table to a shelf solely by twisting the sticks.15

Supporting the project, Kengo Kuma modified and created a Cidori modular furniture collection with the knowledge of the interlocking system.

12.“02. Chidori / Collection.” East Japan Project. Accessed March 15, 2018. http://e-j-p.org/collection/02/ 13.Griffiths, Alyn. “Chidori Furniture by Kengo Kuma and Associates.” Dezeen. August 14, 2012. Accessed April 13, 2018. https://www.dezeen.com/2011/11/07/chidori-furniture-by-kengo-kuma-and-associates/.

14.”Minimal Building Block Furniture By Kengo Kuma And Associates.” IGNANTcom. Accessed April 13, 2018. https://www.ignant.com/2015/09/03/minimal-building-block-furniture-by-kengo-kuma-and-associates/.

15.Andreea, Mocanu. “Toys Inspired Furniture by Kengo Kuma and Associates.” Home Decorating Trends - Homedit. February 13, 2015. Accessed April 13, 2018. https://www.homedit.com/toys-inspired-furniture-by-kengo-kuma-and-associates/.

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Figure 1.4: Cidori joint.

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CIDORI - CIDORI JOINT

Kengo Kuma has experimented different type of joints to combine Cidori units. His initial Cidori furniture product featured a tenon and mortise joint. It is simple and easy to assemble but the joint is exposed. He then came out with another jointing system, where cylindrical holes are cut at each end of the Cidori member and a wooden stick is slotted in between two members to join them. The joint, left only a fine line on the exterior.

Hence, the joint was used in a collection of Cidori furniture which was exhibited and sold in Japan.

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Figure 1.5: Cidori furniture features mortise and tenon joint.

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Figure 1.6: Cidori furniture.

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Figure 1.7: Connection in GC Prostho Research Center.

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Figure 1.8: Lattice structure of GC Prostho Research Center.

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GC PROSTHO RESEARCH CENTRE

“ Together with craftsmen, I want to entirely rethink the way materials are treated,’’ says Kuma.16 In the second project of the series, Kengo Kuma worked together with structural engineer Jun Sato to further refine the joint in order to support a 9 meters high structure, GC Prostho Research Center in Aichi, Japan. Each member is cut precisely for a thin metal wedge and drift pins to be slotted, making the joint as minimal as possible.17 Cidori system becomes the basic construction unit. 6000 cypress rods were sculpted into new shape form Cidori units. Without using fasteners or adhesives of any kind, the wooden sticks interweave to create a thick wall out of the jungle gym-like lattice structure supporting a

lightweight roof above.

Inside the building, the three-dimensional lattice has two meters depth functions as a display case for the museum’s collection.18 The building which emphasises a handmade, local approach, let in natural light and filtered views of the landscape. He says the smaller pieces of wood makes the designs more complex than conventional timber structure.

The softer effect pulls in both the Japanese tradition of weaving and the country’s ancient joinery techniques.19 “The wooden lattice provides far more than a cosmetic solution. It functions as a structural device.” Toyo Ito20

16.“Kengo Kuma on Designinig on Iconic Starbucks Store in Dazaifu, Japan.” Starbucks Newsroom. February 24, 2015. Accessed April 12, 2018. https://www.iconeye.com/architecture/news/item/4525-gc-prostho-museum-research-centre-by-kengo-kuma 17.Kipnis, Jeffrey. “Cidori.” Kengo Kuma: A LAB for Materials, March 2018, pg 44-45 18.Kuma, Kengo, and Kenneth Frampton. Kengo Kuma: Complete Works. NY,NY: Thames & Hudson, 2017, pg 185-194 19.“Kengo Kuma on Designinig on Iconic Starbucks Store in Dazaifu, Japan.” Starbucks Newsroom. February 24, 2015. Accessed April 12, 2018. h ttps://www.iconeye.com/architecture/news/item/4525-gc-prostho-museum-research-centre-by-kengo-kuma 20. Yang, WuYang. “Prostho Museum - Theses Prep 793a Wuyang Yang.” Issuu. Accessed April 3, 2018. https://issuu.com/josesanchez010/docs/precedent_studies_final_wuyang_yang

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Figure 1.9: Exterior of GC Prostho Research Center.

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Figure 1.10: Interior of GC Prostho Research Center.

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Figure 1.11: Interior of Starbucks Coffee at Dazaifu Tenmangu.

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STARBUCKS COFFEE SHOP

“ I wanted to show the essence of the place to honor the strong culture of craftsmanship in Dazaifu Tenmangu. If we could combine Starbucks spirit with the spirit of the artisan, we knew we could achieve something special.” - Kengo Kuma. 21 In 2011, Kengo Kuma took the grid frame system of Cidori Pavilion and GC Prostho Research Center and converted it into an oblique three-dimensional lattice for Starbucks Coffee in Dazaifutenmangu Omotesando, Fukuoka, Japan. The orthogonal grids have a static appearance.

By making this grid oblique, it gave fluidity to help creating an illusion of a deep space with narrow frontage of the typical shops along Omotesando’s promenade.22 Whereas orthogonal grids have three wooden members crossing at intersections, this oblique grid has four, which necessitated notched of greater complexity. 23 The cypress sticks are 60 mm square in cross-section, just like those of Prostho Museum has a total length of 4390 meters. The joints, however, does not solely interlocking, rely on stainless steel dowel pins. 24

21.“Kengo Kuma Brings His Wooden Idiosyncratic Craftsmanship to Starbucks Coffee in Japan.” Archute. October 20, 2015. Accessed March 16, 2018. https://www.archute.com/2015/10/20/kengo-kuma-brings-his-wooden-idiosyncratic-craftsmanship-to-starbucks-coffee-in-japan/ 22.”Starbucks Coffee at Dazaifutenmangu Omotesando”. Accessed April 13, 2018. http://www.architectmagazine.com/design/buildings/starbucks-coffee-at-dazaifutenmangu-omotesando_o.

23.Kipnis, Jeffrey. “Cidori.” Kengo Kuma: A LAB for Materials, March 2018, pg 50-51 24.”Starbucks Coffee / Kengo Kuma & Associates.” ArchDaily. February 27, 2012. Accessed April 13, 2018. https://www.archdaily.com/211943/starbucks-coffee-kengo-kuma-associates.

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Figure 1.12: Oblique joint of Starbucks Coffee at Dazaifu Tenmangu.

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Figure 1.13: Exterior of Suny Hills, Tokyo.

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SUNNY HILLS TOKYO

Located in Tokyo’s posh neighborhood called Minami-Aoyama, Sunny Hills specialized in pineapples cakes (a popular candy in Taiwan), takes the form of a bamboo basket. In this project, Kengo Kuma wants to create something which is completely different from a concrete box, something with a light and subtle atmosphere in a residential area. 25 By altering the direction of the oblique three-dimensional lattice of Starbucks Coffee, Kengo Kuma transformed the lattice into a layered structure system that supports a three-story building.26 He also revisited the traditional technique of Jigoku-gumi joinery in this project, literally means “interlocking hell” due to its resistance to dis-assembly. This joint was a highly complex system that traditionally was used in fabricating wood frames of shoji screens. 27 Project architect Yuteki Dozono agrees that it is not necessarily about the structural integrity. The intent of the project was to reveal a new aesthetic in the heart of Tokyo. The initial proposal of the project was to utilize joints without the use of metal connectors. However, due to the site conditions, that does not provide enough space for on-site assembly, long

members had to be cut and are connected with the use of metal.28 The mesh structure of Sunny Hills has a rigid, mesh-like outer skin, unlike the ordinary structure which has internal skeletons like vertebrates. As shown in the drawings, the first half of the bottom-layer of battens placed on the grid (x-direction) interlocks with the first half of the top-layer of battens placed on the grid (y-direction). Then, the second half of the top layer is placed on the grid (x-direction) again. All notches are cut with the depth of two-third of their total thickness. This system leaves one-third of thickness free, in order to move the battens up and down when inserting the last master layer in y-direction, locking all battens together. 29 The second layer of Jigoku-gumi is laid next to the first ones for stronger support. To prevent the layers from slippage, a third layer is added on perpendicularly to ensure frame rigidity.

Layers of Jigoku-gumi provide sufficient strength for both vertical load and contortion load. Individual Jigoku-gumi layers are locked by joint ties, allowing them to work as one combined structure. 30

25.”SunnyHills at Minami-Aoyama / Kengo Kuma & Associates.” ArchDaily. March 11, 2014. Accessed April 13, 2018. https://www.archdaily.com/484981/sunnyhills-at-minami-aoyama-kengo-kuma-and-associates.

26.”Kengo Kuma Wraps Sunny Hills Japan Shop in Wood.” Designboom | Architecture & Design Magazine. September 09, 2013. Accessed April 13, 2018. https://www.designboom.com/architecture/kengo-kuma-wraps-sunny-hills-japan-shop-in-wood/.

27.”Domus.” SunnyHills and the Matter of Business. Accessed April 13, 2018. https://www.domusweb.it/en/architecture/2014/01/13/sunny_hills_and_thematterofbusiness.html.

28.Aoyama, Minami-Aoyama. “Mereology - A Study of SunnyHill , Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo, Japan, Kengo Kuma.” Issuu. Accessed April 13, 2018. https://issuu.com/vincentip/docs/20170104-ddr-print.

29.Kipnis, Jeffrey. “Cidori.” Kengo Kuma: A LAB for Materials, March 2018, pg 52-55 30.Johnny. “The Hellish Art of Japanese Interlocking Wooden Architecture Revived at SunnyHills Minami-Aoyama.” Spoon & Tamago. October 03, 2014. Accessed April 13, 2018. http://www.spoon-tamago.com/2014/02/19/the-hellish-art-of-japanese-interlocking-wooden-architecture-revived-at-sunnyhills-minami-aoyama/.

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Interlocking system in Sunny Hills Tokyo

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Figure 1.14: Yure Pavilion by Kengo Kuma & Association.

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YURE PAVILION

The most recent project that Kuma featured the diagonal joint is Yure, a temporary pavilion in a static Parisian plaza of Tuileries Garden, designed as an expression for a nomadic shelter. Linear members are arranged in an oblique three-dimensional lattice as what they did in previous projects.31 Here, Kuma and his teams used sticks that are rectangular in section (90 x 180 mm). The sticks are twisted, stacked and assembled until they reach a desired height. The structure changed its appearance from the direction it is viewed. The main approach offered a see-through and thin silhouette. However, the way of perceiving space changed from other sides.

The structure is divided into three separate floors with functional purposes. Each small areas can be accessed via a hidden ladder.32 The architecture journey begins with a lounge space and a one-person bedroom, then an open viewing deck located on the highest level to look out onto the surrounding environment. Basically, the basic module is composed of two vertical elements and one diagonal element. The unit is rotated to 90 degrees and stacked as the structure goes up. Layers of the stacking units arranged to form a lattice structure with an irregular outline. 33 “Yure is like trees that gently swing slowly their branches and leaves.”34

31.”Kengo Kuma Designs Sculptural Pavilion in Paris.” ArchDaily. November 10, 2015. Accessed April 13, 2018. https://www.archdaily.com/776541/kengo-kuma-designs-sculptural-pavilion-in-paris.

32.”Yure | Architecture.” Kengo Kuma and Associates. Accessed April 13, 2018. http://kkaa.co.jp/works/architecture/yure-2/.

33.Kipnis, Jeffrey. “Cidori.” Kengo Kuma: A LAB for Materials, March 2018, pg 56-57 34.Morby, Alice. “Kengo Kuma Installs Climbable Wooden Pavilion in Paris Park.” Dezeen. April 21, 2017. Accessed April 13, 2018. https://www.dezeen.com/2015/10/20/kengo-kuma-installs-climbable-wooden-yure-pavilion-jardins-des-tuileries-paris-fiac/.

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Figure 1.15: Members of Kong Ming Lock.

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REVEALING PUZZLE & CIDORI

Cidori, a traditional Japanese toy, however, has similarities with the interlocking puzzles toy in China, known as ‘Lu Ban Locks’ or ‘Kong Ming Locks’. The traditional ‘Locks’, has variation in geometrically shapes, are usually made from wood, bamboo or ivory.35 The assembly puzzle has the simplest construction similar to Cidori system when they use three sticks that can be assembled into a three-way cross in which each stick is perpendicular to the other two.

The most common design has three pairs of sticks, where each pair perpendicular to the other two pairs. The components of puzzles fit together hiding the connecting joint inside.

Without the use of glue or nails, it allows the puzzle to be disassembled and reassembled easily.36

Different notches are cut in the center of each stick which enable the pieces to be joined perfectly without leaving a void inside their intersection. When the lock structure is almost assembled, the key stick which is an un-notched piece, is slid to lock everything in secure. The interlocking burr puzzles is easy to be dismantle, however, it required more patience to put back together.

The joining technique of the assembly puzzle locks is called Sunmou (also known as tenon or mortise) by the local carpenters.37 The technique first appeared as a unique structural element in China, called Dougong.

35.”Interlocking Burr Puzzles.” ChinesePuzzles.org. Accessed April 13, 2018. http://chinesepuzzles.org/interlocking-burr-puzzles/.

36.”Kong Ming Lock Solutions.” YouTube. July 08, 2012. Accessed April 13, 2018. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLbDmPtgOXI. 37.External Features of Chinese Architecture. Accessed April 13, 2018. https://www.topchinatravel.com/china-guide/external-architectural-features.htm.

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Figure 1.16: Bracket system used in traditional Chinese architecture.

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SUNMOU JOINT

Dougong, an interlocking bracket system, which can be translated into ‘cap and block’, usually appeared at the top of the pillars. It is constructed by stacking caps and blocks layer by layer. It transfers all loads from the roof and beams to the vertical columns. In addition, it also provide support for large roof eaves and provide flexibility in the event of earthquakes.The use of Dougong first appeared in buildings of the seventh centuries BC in various temples, palaces, and houses.38 Merely by interlocking joinery, all wooden members are connected without any glue or fasteners. Hence, in order to accomplish this, precision and quality of the carpentry have to be taken care.

38. Traditional Chinese Architecture , Architectural Culture, Pagoda, Gardens, Tombs, Palaces, Ancient Chinese Buildings. Accessed April 13, 2018. http://www.chinatourguide.net/12_7.htm.

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Figure 1.17: Interlocking system in shoji screen.

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JIGOKU - GUMI JOINT

Jigoku-gumi, another complex technique used in Kengo Kuma’s work, can be seen in the lattice frames of Japanese shoji screens, but in a smaller scale. It was a technique that used to create the 635-year old shoji screens in Kyoto’s Toji Mieido temple as well as the 815-year old Fusuma sliding doors in Wakayama’s Kongobu ji temple. 39 During the construction of shoji screen, notches are cut precisely along the slender wood members by the craftsmen.

Two pieces of wood connected at the cut points at a right angle and the third member interlocked at the next cut point.

The craftsmanship is so precise that they fit each other exactly and do not separate easily. Other wood members slotted in to create a lattice frame allowing rice papers to be pasted on.40 However, Kengo Kuma modified the connecting technique

into a complex four members joint making it nearly impossible to disassemble once completed.

A shoji screen is a translucent folding screen that consists of a wood frame and pasted with paper, wicker, or cloth. It is normally used to divide the room for better privacy and allow diffusion of light throughout the room. It can also referring to permanent structures like shoji doors and shoji windows.

Japanese shoji screens were adapted from Chinese folding screens created hundreds year prior to 400 B.C.41 Chinese folding screens that traditionally made out of wood, were originally used as room partitions as well. Each screen was held together by leather thongs that was tied together through holes in the edge of the panel. Although Japanese shoji screens were contrasted with the earliest Chinese folding screens in various ways, they still built on a similar basis.42

39.Frearson, Amy. “SunnyHills Cake Shop by Kengo Kuma Wrapped by Intricate Timber Lattice.” Dezeen. April 18, 2017. Accessed April 13, 2018. https://www.dezeen.com/2014/02/25/sunnyhills-at-minami-aoyama-by-kengo-kuma/.

40.”Toshio Odate Handcrafted Shoji Screen.” Martha Stewart. April 06, 2016. Accessed April 13, 2018. https://www.marthastewart.com/926570/toshio-odate-handcrafted-shoji-screen.

41.”The Documented History of Japanese Shoji Screens.” Asian Furniture Blog. November 13, 2014. Accessed April 13, 2018. https://www.tansu.net/blog/blog/japanese-shoji-screens-history/.

42.”Shoji Screens Homage to the Ancient Japanese Screens Becomes Part of InProduction Inventory.” InProduction. November 06, 2017. Accessed April 13, 2018. http://inproduction.net/news/shoji-screens-homage-ancient-japanese-screens-becomes-part-sgas-inventory/.

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“I would like to go back to the traditional construction system, Cidori can be the best example of such system.” said Kengo Kuma.43 Kengo Kuma’s works have an admiration for history, however, the classic has a feel of contemporary. Taking inspiration from the ancient Chinese and Japanese architecture, he designed simple interlocking modular units with the technology today and brought them to full scale. He agrees that new creations came from a continuity and out of an attitude to seek peace.

He featured interlocking techniques in his design for smaller scale product, furniture, and building, as an effort in reviving them. Apart from that, he is always confident in finding new things within older principles.44

Rather than designing dramatic forms, Kengo Kuma preferred subtle, delicate and understanding architecture. He built warm, beautiful, and soft architecture that prioritize humanity and nature.45 Despite some of his works took references from the ancient jointing techniques, with high complexity, colours, and decorative elements, he chose to hide all the joinery from the public. He appreciated past values in construction where no glue or external hardware connection is used. He is always seeking for new ways to bring the traditional technique forward in structural support whilst leaving an elegant and clean exterior.

43.”Domus.” SunnyHills and the Matter of Business. Accessed April 13, 2018. https://www.domusweb.it/en/architecture/2014/01/13/sunny_hills_and_thematterofbusiness.html.

44.Saval, Nikil. “Kengo Kuma’s Architecture of the Future.” The New York Times. February 15, 2018. Accessed April 13, 2018. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/15/t-magazine/kengo-kuma-architect.html.

45.“Kengo Kuma on His Design Approach.” Accessed April 13, 2018. http://www.architectmagazine.com/design/q-a-kengo-kuma-on-his-design-approach_o.

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EXERCISE 1

Chinese traditional architecture is studied, especially the history of the bracket system. The design, size, and members of the Dougong had undergone evolution from the Western Zhou Dynasty to Song Dynasty.

Traditionally, Sunmou technique is used for the construction. The system is constructed based a rule of proportion, and the construction techniques were written in YingZhaoFashi, a construction book used by the ancient architect.46 In order to have a better understanding of how a Dougong is constructed, I drew the sequences of stacking up with proper scale and dimension. Red is used to indicate the connection hidden within.

46.�Revival of Ancient Building Technique.� CNN. September 01, 2017. Accessed April 13, 2018. https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/dougong-chinese-building-revival/index.html.

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EXERCISE 2

Research done on the traditional joinery system led me to the Japanese interlocking system. Despite that, Japanese architecture shows influences from the Chinese architecture, adaptation happened due to different weather, culture, and resources. Timber joinery was commonly used in furniture, light fittings, as well as buildings in Japan.

Japanese appreciation towards joinery and material resulted in thousands of different interlocking ways. Local carpenters focused on the details and craftsmanship. Cidori is one of the most popular interlocking joints as it is originally a toy for the children. Kengo Kuma is the first architect who featured this traditional joint in his furniture design and buildings. His portfolio shows a series of work, experimenting various materials with different traditional joinery. Japanese architect such as Shigeru Ban and Sou Fujimoto also featured different wood joinery technique in their projects. However, their projects are inconsistent in terms of material.

Hence, Kengo Kuma’s architecture has become the main aspect of the research.

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EXERCISE 3

Another traditional joint that Kengo Kuma took inspiration from is Jigoku-gumi. This joint was used to construct shoji screens in ancient temples. However, he turned the perpendicular assembly system into a crisscrossed three-dimensional layered structure that cannot be disassembled.47 The modified joint can be observed from several projects of his, ranging from interior, pavilion to building skin.

A sketch mind map is produced at the end of this exercise to summarize all the findings, linking the connection of joinery techniques from different cultures with Kengo Kuma’s project. Traditional wood joinery in Japan had influences from ancient Chinese architecture which later on inspired Kengo Kuma in design.

How do the joints look like and how do they assemble are the questions that were attempted to answer with these drawings produced. In order to reveal the hidden joints within the members, for instance, the cylindrical carves in the Cidori joint, sectional models and drawings are produced. Appropriate angle is tested out using 3D models to get the best views. Subsequently, the actual sequences of assembling the bracket system, Cidori, and Cidori furniture were mapped out. These assembly systems show similarities in principle whereby modular units are interlocked, connected and stacked up, providing structural support for vertical loads. It also shows the ways Kuma translated the complicated Sunmou system into a simpler system formed by basic modular units.

47. “Unusual Cake Shop by Kuma - Wood Magazine.” Swedish Wood. June 01, 2014. Accessed April 13, 2018. http://www.swedishwood.com/wood-magazine/2014-2/unusual_cake_shop_by_kuma/.

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EXERCISE 4

Some interlocking system in Kuma’s projects have a certain complexity and it takes time to understand. With sufficient information of how the joints come together, three-dimensional models are made with the actual dimensions to further study how each member is connected. Drawings are done in more systematic ways whereby the same isometric angle is taken, similar scales and style are used to maintain the consistency in reading. Drawings are laid out in sequence according to the period I had done. Then, they are arranged and grouped into, a series of demonstrating assembling steps, while another series showing and comparing the internal joints from different influences. The drawings can be seen

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CONCLUSION

Timber is the one of the oldest material48 and joinery is a vital component in woodwork throughout the history of craftsmanship. It is a technique and also a form of art.49 Timber joinery can be observed from the architectures built for centuries. However, discoveries of new building materials and industrial revolution have filled the skyline with steel and glass sky scrappers. Hence, the attention on timber joinery are also depleting. 50 Through the series of timber projects, starting from the Cidori furniture to Yure Pavilion, Kengo Kuma has the intention to restore the timber interlocking techniques that are at the edge of being forgotten in this century. He takes upon the traditional joinery techniques, and applies them with latest innovation and technology, in his design that involves wood structure. Kengo Kuma revisited the past ideas, Jigoku-gumi, Sunmou and Cidori techniques in a less decorative version of interpretation. His approach of adding a layer of aesthetic and functional richness to these techniques, have brought the traditional systems back to life. Moreover, he proved that there are infinite possibilities for studying the past systems.

Having studied and drawn the details of the interlocking joinery, a series of drawings have been done as a record of joinery techniques. The sophisticated systems used in Kengo Kuma’s work is reduced to basic drawings for better understanding and easy to comprehend, and for research studies in the future.

For a century and a half, the industrial materials allowed for big buildings, bridges and roads left a large amount of carbon footprint behind. The change in climate has forced us to demand building solutions with low energy. Hence, architects and engineers have started to shift their focus back to timber when a new breed of wood, cross-laminated timber (CLT) has become popular in the building industry, with its high quality, sustainability, and fast construction. It is produced by layering three, five or seven timber sections of wood at right angles, and glued together.51 Yusuhara Wooden Bridge Museum, another project by Kengo Kuma, utilised the laminated timber in order to achieve large cantilever. 52 “The 17th century was the age of stone. The 18th century was the peak of brick. The 19th century was the era of iron. The 20th century was the century of concrete. The 21st century will be the time for timber.” said the director of London based firm dRMM.51 Kengo Kuma’s series of the project featuring the timber joinery techniques are a great contribution to the craft industry. He created a big leap in bringing timber interlocking joint go beyond solely for connecting members, which lead us to question the limits of timber joinery techniques in building industry. With stronger timber as the building material and timber interlocking system, this might be the beginning of timber age.

48.”Financial Times Why Architects Are Now Using Wood to Construct Big Buildings.” Financial Times. Accessed April 11, 2018. https://www.ft.com/content/408ef4c8-3f30-11e4-984b-00144feabdc0.

49. Edelson, Zachary. “The Art of Traditional Wood Craft in Modern Architecture.” Architecture in Letters. June 25, 2015. Accessed April 13, 2018. https://zacharyedelson.wordpress.com/2015/06/25/japan-wooden-joinery-traditional-modern/.

50.Adithi. “Building Design/Architecture - The Industrial Revolution-new Materials.” Iron, Steel, Strength, and Bridges - JRank Articles. Accessed April 12, 2018. http://science.jrank.org/pages/1073/Building-Design-Architecture-Industrial-Revolution-new-materials.html.

51.Frearson, Amy. “Architects Embrace “the Beginning of the Timber Age”. Dezeen. November 13, 2017. Accessed April 11, 2018. https://www.dezeen.com/2015/11/09/cross-laminated-timber-construction-architecture-timber-age/.

52. “Yusuhara Wooden Bridge Museum | ArchiTravel.” ArchiTravel | Online Architecture Guide. March 28, 2018. Accessed April 10, 2018. http://www.architravel.com/architravel/building/yusuhara-wooden-bridge-museum//.

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SUNMOU JOINT

Folded screens from China

Chinese Bracketing

Lu Ban Lock

Innuence Japan

Shoji screen in Toji Mieido Temple Fusama sliding door in Wakayama’s Kongobu - ji Temple

Kong Ming Lock

Innuence Japan

JIIGOKU - GUMI JOINT

CHIDORI JOINT

GC Prostho Museum Research Centre - 2010

Starbuck Coffee Dazaifutenmangu Omotesando -2011

Yure Pavilion, France -2016

Cidori Pavilion -2007

Sunny Hill, Japan -2013 Cidori Furniture

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

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“Domus.” SunnyHills and the Matter of Business. Accessed November 5, 2017. https://www.domusweb.it/en/architecture/2014/01/13/sunny_hills_and_thematterofbusiness.html.

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Accessed April 9, 2018. https://zacharyedelson.wordpress.com/2015/06/25/japan-wooden-joinery-traditional-modern/.

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Frearson, Amy. “Architects Embrace “the Beginning of the Timber Age”. Dezeen. November 13, 2017. Accessed April 11, 2018. https://www.dezeen.com/2015/11/09/cross-laminated-timber-construction-architecture-timber-age/.

Frearson, Amy. “SunnyHills Cake Shop by Kengo Kuma Wrapped by Intricate Timber Lattice.” Dezeen. April 18, 2017. Accessed January 23, 2018. https://www.dezeen.com/2014/02/25/sunnyhills-at-minami-aoyama-by-kengo-kuma/.

Griffiths, Alyn. “Chidori Furniture by Kengo Kuma and Associates.” Dezeen. August 14, 2012. Accessed April 13, 2018. https://www.dezeen.com/2011/11/07/chidori-furniture-by-kengo-kuma-and-associates/.

Howarth, Dan. “The Criteria for Architecture Is Humbleness,” Says Kengo Kuma.” Dezeen. July 12, 2016. Accessed January 21, 2018. https://www.dezeen.com/2014/03/11/kengo-kuma-interview-architecture-after-2011-japan-tsunami/.

“Interlocking Burr Puzzles.” ChinesePuzzles.org. Accessed January 16, 2018. http://chinesepuzzles.org/interlocking-burr-puzzles/.

“Interview: Kengo Kuma - Sharing the Same Shadows.” DesignCurial. Accessed January 16, 2018. http://www.designcurial.com/news/kengo-kuma-sharing-the-same-shadows-by-clare-farrow.

“Japanese Carpentry.” Japanese Guest Houses Japanese Carpentry Comments. Accessed April 5, 2018. https://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/japanese-carpentry/.

“Japanese Wood Joinery.” Rerbn. Accessed February 6, 2018. http://rebrn.com/re/japanese-wood-joinery-2872846/.

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“Kengo Kuma and Associates” Kengo Kuma and Associates. Accessed January 22, 2018. http://kkaa.co.jp/works/architecture/cidori/.

“Kengo Kuma Brings His Wooden Idiosyncratic Craftsmanship to Starbucks Coffee in Japan.” Archute. October 20, 2015. Accessed January 22, 2018. https://www.archute.com/2015/10/20/kengo-kuma-brings-his-wooden-idiosyncratic-craftsmanship-to-starbucks-coffee-in-japan/.

“Kengo Kuma Designs Sculptural Pavilion in Paris.” ArchDaily. November 10, 2015. Accessed January 28, 2018. https://www.archdaily.com/776541/kengo-kuma-designs-sculptural-pavilion-in-paris.

“Kengo Kuma Explains How His Architectural Style Was Formed by Financial Crisis.” ArchDaily. December 24, 2017. Accessed April 10, 2018. https://www.archdaily.com/885980/kengo-kuma-explains-how-his-architectural-style-was-formed-by-financial-crisis.

“Kengo Kuma on His Design Approach.” Accessed April 11, 2018. http://www.architectmagazine.com/design/q-a-kengo-kuma-on-his-design-approach_o.

“Kengo Kuma on Designing an Iconic Starbucks Store in Dazaifu, Japan.” Starbucks Newsroom. February 24, 2015. Accessed February 13, 2018. https://news.starbucks.com/news/kengo-kuma-on-designing-an-iconic-starbucks-store-in-dazaifu-japan.

“Kengo Kuma Wraps Sunny Hills Japan Shop in Wood.” Designboom | Architecture & Design Magazine. September 09, 2013. Accessed February 14, 2018. https://www.designboom.com/architecture/kengo-kuma-wraps-sunny-hills-japan-shop-in-wood/.

“Minimal Building Block Furniture By Kengo Kuma And Associates.” IGNANTcom. Accessed January 22, 2018. https://www.ignant.com/2015/09/03/minimal-building-block-furniture-by-kengo-kuma-and-associates/.

Morby, Alice. “Kengo Kuma Installs Climbable Wooden Pavilion in Paris Park.” Dezeen. April 21, 2017. Accessed January 24, 2018. https://www.dezeen.com/2015/10/20/kengo-kuma-installs-climbable-wooden-yure-pavilion-jardins-des-tuileries-paris-fiac/.

“Revival of Ancient Building Technique.” CNN. September 01, 2017. Accessed February 14, 2018. https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/dougong-chinese-building-revival/index.html.

Saval, Nikil. “Kengo Kuma’s Architecture of the Future.” The New York Times. February 15, 2018. Accessed February 9, 2018. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/15/t-magazine/kengo-kuma-architect.html.

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“Shoji Screens Homage to the Ancient Japanese Screens Becomes Part of In Production Inventory.” InProduction. November 06, 2017. Accessed January 25, 2018. http://inproduction.net/news/shoji-screens-homage-ancient-japanese-screens-becomes-part-sgas-inventory/.

“Starbucks Coffee / Kengo Kuma & Associates.” ArchDaily. February 27, 2012. Accessed April 13, 2018. https://www.archdaily.com/211943/starbucks-coffee-kengo-kuma-associates.

“Starbucks Coffee at Dazaifutenmangu Omotesando.” Accessed April 13, 2018. http://www.architectmagazine.com/design/buildings/starbucks-coffee-at-dazaifutenmangu-omotesando_o.

“SunnyHills at Minami-Aoyama / Kengo Kuma & Associates.” ArchDaily. March 11, 2014. Accessed April 12, 2018. https://www.archdaily.com/484981/sunnyhills-at-minami-aoyama-kengo-kuma-and-associates.

“The Documented History of Japanese Shoji Screens.” Asian Furniture Blog. November 13, 2014. Accessed April 3, 2018. https://www.tansu.net/blog/blog/japanese-shoji-screens-history/.

Johnny. “The Hellish Art of Japanese Interlocking Wooden Architecture Revived at SunnyHills Minami-Aoyama.” Spoon & Tamago.

October 03, 2014. Accessed April 10, 2018. http://www.spoon-tamago.com/2014/02/19/the-hellish-art-of-japanese-interlocking-wooden-architecture-revived-at-sunnyhills-minami-aoyama/.

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Traditional Chinese Architecture , Architectural Culture, Pagoda, Gardens, Tombs, Palaces, Ancient Chinese Buildings. Accessed January 16, 2018. http://www.chinatourguide.net/12_7.htm.

“Toshio Odate Handcrafted Shoji Screen.” Martha Stewart. April 06, 2016. Accessed February 6, 2018. https://www.marthastewart.com/926570/toshio-odate-handcrafted-shoji-screen.

“Unusual Cake Shop by Kuma - Wood Magazine.” Swedish Wood. June 01, 2014. Accessed February 7, 2018. http://www.swedishwood.com/wood-magazine/2014-2/unusual_cake_shop_by_kuma/.

Yang, WuYang. “Prostho Museum - Thesis Prep 793a Wuyang Yang.” Issuu. Accessed February 7, 2018. https://issuu.com/josesanchez010/docs/precedent_studies_final_wuyang_yang.

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“Yure | Architecture.” Kengo Kuma and Associates. Accessed March 11, 2018. http://kkaa.co.jp/works/architecture/yure-2/.

“Yusuhara Wooden Bridge Museum | ArchiTravel.” ArchiTravel | Online Architecture Guide. March 28, 2018. Accessed April 10, 2018. http://www.architravel.com/architravel/building/yusuhara-wooden-bridge-museum//.

“02. Chidori | Collection.” East Japan Project. Accessed March 6, 2018. http://e-j-p.org/collection/02/.

Videos “Harvard University Graduate School of Design.” Kengo Kuma, “From Concrete to Wood: Why Wood Matters” - Harvard Graduate School of Design. Accessed January 12, 2018. http://www.gsd.harvard.edu/event/kengo-kuma-from-concrete-to-wood-why-wood-matters/.

“Japanese Woodwork: A Tradition Hundreds of Years Old, but Still as Cool as Ever (Video)” SoraNews24. January 11, 2015. Accessed January 13, 2018. https://soranews24.com/2015/01/11/japanese-woodwork-a-traditional-hundreds-of-years-old-but-still-as-cool-as-ever-video/.

“Kong Ming Lock Solutions.” YouTube. July 08, 2012. Accessed January 13, 2018. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLbDmPtgOXI. “Traditional Chinese Architecture: Fo Kuang Temple Bracket Set Demo.” YouTube. October 30, 2015. Accessed November 2, 2018. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmZXlDBN52A&t=2s.

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Kuma, Kengo, and Kenneth Frampton. Kengo Kuma: Complete Works. NY, NY: Thames & Hudson, 2017.

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Image / Illustation Credit Fig 1.1 - “Cryptomeria Conifer Forest Background, Japan.” 123RF Stock Photos. Accessed April 9, 2018. https://www.123rf.com/photo_13193227_cryptomeria-conifer-forest-background-japan.html.

Fig 1.2 - Jordahn, Sebastian. “Kengo Kuma.” Dezeen. April 6, 2018. Accessed April 13, 2018. https://www.dezeen.com/tag/kengo-kuma/.

Fig 1.3 - “Kengo Kuma Associates: Chidori Furniture.” Designboom | Architecture & Design Magazine. October 13, 2011. Accessed April 6, 2018. https://www.designboom.com/design/kengo-kuma-associates-chidori-furniture/.

Fig 1.4 - “02. Chidori | Collection.” East Japan Project. Accessed April 8, 2018. http://e-j-p.org/collection/02/.

Fig 1.5 - Riley, Matthew. “Chidori Furniture.” Flickr. September 10, 2014. Accessed April 13, 2018. https://www.flickr.com/photos/114203744@N07/15105072610.

Fig 1.6 - “Chidori Furniture by Kengo Kuma.” Detail-online.com. April 9, 2018. Accessed April 13, 2018. https://www.detail-online.com/blog-article/chidori-furniture-by-kengo-kuma-25600/.

Fig 1.7 - Resilientwood. “GC Prostho Center.” RESILIENT WOOD. October 06, 2015. Accessed April 9, 2018. http://resilientwood.tumblr.com/post/131736401107/gc-prostho-center.

Fig 1.8 - Billesler. “Extreme Joinery: Wood Building Skips Nails, Connectors.” Woodworking Network. March 10, 2016. Accessed April 7, 2018. https://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/custom-woodworking/cabinet-making-case-studies/Nail-free-Wood-Building-Uses-Wooden-Toy-Technique-160970205.html.

Fig 1.9 - “Kengo Kuma and Associates.” Kengo Kuma and Associates. Accessed April 11, 2018. http://kkaa.co.jp/works/architecture/prostho-museum-research-center/.

Fig 1.10 - Godel, Addison. “Nagoya - Prostho Research Center 9.” Flickr. January 19, 2014. Accessed April 10, 2018. https://www.flickr.com/photos/doctorcasino/12032894833.

Fig 1.11 - “Kengo Kuma and Associates.” Kengo Kuma and Associates. Accessed January 22, 2018. http://kkaa.co.jp/works/architecture/cidori/.

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Fig 1.12 - “Kengo Kuma and Associates.” Kengo Kuma and Associates. Accessed January 22, 2018. http://kkaa.co.jp/works/architecture/cidori/.

Fig 1.13 - “Domus.” Kengo Kuma for Starbucks. Accessed April 11, 2018. https://www.domusweb.it/en/news/2012/02/27/kengo-kuma-for-starbucks.html.

Fig 1.14 - “Kengo Kuma and Associates.” Kengo Kuma and Associates. Accessed January 22, 2018. http://kkaa.co.jp/works/architecture/cidori/.

Fig 1.15 - “Six Street Vendor Lock 6 Kongming Lock Luban Wholesale Unlock Solution Ring Adult Toys to Support Mixed Batch Brazil-in Puzzles from Toys & Hobbies on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group.” Aliexpress.com. Accessed April 10, 2018. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Six-street-vendor-lock-6-Kongming-lock-Luban-wholesale-unlock-solution-ring-adult-toys-tosupport/32342391794.html.

Fig 1.16 - Traditional Chinese Architecture , Architectural Culture, Pagoda, Gardens, Tombs, Palaces, Ancient Chinese Buildings.

Accessed April 11, 2018. http://www.chinatourguide.net/12_7.htm.

Fig 1.17 - “BCXSY: Join Folding Screen.” Designboom | Architecture & Design Magazine. April 04, 2013. Accessed April 8, 2018. https://www.designboom.com/design/bcxsy-join-folding-screen/.

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APPENDIX

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3D Modelling 3D computer models were made for better understanding of how each interlocking member is connected to the others. It also allowed flexibility in creating isometric angles and choosing a view for final drawings.

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2D Drawings Isometric drawings are exported from the Sketchup models in 2D on AutoCad. The sequence of interlocking is arranged and plotted out on an appropriate scale. Line weight has been tested out in AutoCad to show a clearer interlocking sequence.

Plan, elevations and isonometric of Dougong according to the assembly sequence.

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Omitted Drawing Drawings which did not fit into the theme that I wish to present in the series are removed.

Initial trial to show comparision of Chinese bracketing system with Cidori furniture.

Initial trial to show the hidden joint within Cidori.

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Initial trail to show Cidori assembly sequence. However, a linear style is chosen for the presentation.

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Comparision of the assembly sequence and joinery technique between Dougong and Cidori furniture.

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Plan, elevations and isonometric of Cidori furniture according to the assembly sequence.

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