PROJECT DESCRIPTION
This book presents a typology of the principles underpinning Japanese design philosophy, focusing on the circle as a symbol that embodies these principles.
My research question is: How is the circle as a symbol representative of Japanese design philosophy? How can the core elements of the Japanese aesthetic be interpreted or embodied through this shape? Naturally, the focus falls on the iconic red circle, red sun, representative of Japanese national identity.
The research presented here, and the typology itself, are by no means an attempt at unearthing some sort of definitive, ultimate, rulebook to Japanese design. In truth this would not even be possible. The typology is my interpretation of the visual and textual data I collected. It expresses my opinion, or critical perspective, fleshed out with the arguments of both Japanese and international thinkers (designers, artists, philosophers, writers). Each of them cannot stress enough the ambiguity inherent within the subject, which quickly becomes
self-evident once you break the surface of Japanese aesthetic. This is why the key word ‘principles’ is so important, it is open enough in its meaning in a way that synonyms like law, rule, and doctrine are not.
self-evident once you break the surface of Japanese aesthetic. This is why the key word ‘principles’ is so important, it is open enough in its meaning in a way that synonyms like law, rule, and doctrine are not.
BELOW: slides from the research presentation documenting project research, visual experiments, critical reflection of progress, and theme development.
