Discussion: The Ambiguity of the Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto

Right to left: Old Shoin, Middle Shoin and New Goten, viewed from the east
The Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto has long been a source of inspiration to architects, associated with tenets of modern architecture such as modular floor plans, frame construction, and planar surfaces void of colour or decoration. With Yasuhiro Ishimoto’s photos at hand, 20th century architects have grappled with the aesthetics and philosophy of the villa. Ishimoto (1921–2012) was born in...
Right to left: Old Shoin, Middle Shoin and New Goten, viewed from the east