BSTC2003 Project Proposal

BSTC2003
The Influence of Zen Buddhism on Japanese Aesthetics
Project proposal
Student name: Tang Hau Man
UID: 3035797640
Title: An analysis of the Shibui Aesthetics in Japanese Architecture:
Abstract: This abstract examines the relationship between Buddhist teachings, Shibui
aesthetics, and Tadao Ando's architecture. It starts by looking at the Buddhist
teachings contained in Shibui aesthetics, showing the similarities between Buddhism's
emphasis on impermanence and interconnection and the Shibui concept of
implicitness and naturalness. Yanagi Soetsu, a well-known Japanese philosopher,
defines Shibui, which provides insights into the philosophy and concepts that
underpin the Shibui aesthetic and its relevance in Japanese society. The abstract also
contains a case study on Tadao Ando, a well-known Japanese architect whose
minimalist and meditative works often include Shibui aesthetics. The case study
examines how Ando applies Shibui concepts to his design, such as material and
texture selection, light and shadow integration, the link between building and nature,
and spatial organization and circulation. Finally, a personal perspective on Ando's
embodiment of Buddhist values is presented, emphasizing the similarities between his
designs and Buddhist teachings such as mindfulness, interconnection, and simplicity.
Literature Review:
The study project's literature review investigates Buddhist teachings, Shibui
aesthetics, and Yanagi Soetsu's Shibui. First, the Shibui aesthetic of Buddhist
teachings shows how these notions interact, revealing Japanese culture and Buddhist
philosophy. Second, Yanagi Soetsu's essays on defining and judging the Shibui
aesthetic might teach us about its philosophy and importance in Japanese society.
Research Method:
Shibui aesthetics in Japanese architecture is examined via literature research,
comparative analysis, quantitative data analysis, and case studies. The literature
review examines current academic works to understand Shibui aesthetics' history and
theory. Various architectural examples are examined to find similarities. Measure and
analyze architectural features and proportion for quantitative data analysis. Case
studies describe architectural projects. This comprehensive method thoroughly
researches and applies Shibui aesthetic ideals to Japanese architecture.
Case Study on Tadao Ando:
Tadao Ando, a prominent Japanese architect, is recognized for his minimalist and
meditative designs that often integrate Shibui aesthetics. His creations, such as the
Church of the Light and the Water Temple, show a thorough knowledge of Buddhist
ideas and their application to architectural environments. Ando's use of natural
materials, basic shapes, and the play of light and shadow create a feeling of calm and
harmony, echoing Buddhist precepts of simplicity, stillness, and naturalness.
Case study Objectives:
 Analyze Shibui idea in Ando Tadao's architecture.

 Examine material and texture utilization.
 Examine light and shadow integration.
 Evaluate architecture's link with nature.
 Explore spatial structure and circulation.
Timeline:
Week1 Review the source material.

Week2 Examine the literature to identify key themes.
Week3 Compile quantifiable data and conduct case studies.
Week4 Combine the findings and finish the study report.
Bibliography:
Bailey, S. J. (1997). An investigation of Japanese aesthetic life through the work of

Sōtatsu and Kōrin.
Casebier, A. (2000). Japanese aesthetic. Journal of Comparative Literature and

Aesthetics, 23(1-2), 53-60.
Erzen, J. N. (2004). Tadao Ando’s Architecture in the light of Japanese Aesthetics.
Emoto, H. (2023). Shibui Katsura: The Emergence of a Japanese Global Icon, 1921–
70. Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians, 82(1), 63-82.
Keene, D. (1969). Japanese aesthetics. Philosophy East and West, 19(3), 293-306.
Sparke, P. (2020). Introduction to Modern Japanese Design (1987). Review of

Japanese Culture and Society, 32(1), 71-79.
Yanagi, S. (2019). The beauty of everyday things. Penguin UK.

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BSTC2003

The Influence of Zen Buddhism on Japanese Aesthetics

Student name: Tang Hau Man

Title: An analysis of the Shibui Aesthetics in Japanese Architecture:

Case Study on Tadao Ando:

Case study Objectives:

 Analyze Shibui idea in Ando Tadao's architecture.

Week1 Review the source material.

Bailey, S. J. (1997). An investigation of Japanese aesthetic life through the work of

Casebier, A. (2000). Japanese aesthetic. Journal of Comparative Literature and

Sparke, P. (2020). Introduction to Modern Japanese Design (1987). Review of

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