ANALISI DELLA “PELLE” DEGLI EDIFICI GIAPPONESI DALLA TRADIZIONE ALLA CONTEMPORANEITÀ

The research focuses on some key factors of contemporary Japanese architecture, useful to challenge the training approach of professionals working in the construction sector and directs it towards the use of generative design tools for the design of building envelopes. Japanese architects have always shown great sensitivity in the modelling of complex geometries: these skills can be found both in the field of design (e.g. the ancient art of origami) and of architecture (e.g. the double-skin facades of modern buildings). The modern technologies support the modeling phase, within a continuous process that, thanks to the ability to interface with CNC machines, allows a precise correspondence between concept and final product. The digital tools that regulate this process, based on a parametric approach, introduce new formal possibilities for the tessellation of space and the development of innovative building envelope systems and new architectural languages. The research, which does not neglect the historical and spiritual fundaments and the inspiring principles of tradition, analyses these new architectural languages focusing on the link between the model and the variation of the layering of the building envelope components. Definitely, the final objective is to highlight the significant role of digital technology in the field of design for the development of new models derived from a design process that includes the typical connotations of the local building tradition. The analysis of these models could be an important learning tool for guaranteeing continuity between past and future and contributing to the dissemination of knowledge and culture.