ABSTRACT
Throughout the history of architecture many architects have been inspired by traditional buildings and vernacular construction. Moreover, a redefining of some typical cultural features in new buildings is one of the common design approaches when working in this context. However, the question how to convey a particular tradition in a contemporary building without imitation or simply formal connotations is not easy to answer.
The case study of this paper belongs to the period of Japanese Modern Mannerism, known for the debate about tradition going on in Japan during the1950s. The design of Kagawa Prefectural Office Building is arguably inspired by the photos taken by Kenzo Tange of Kiyomizu-dera. The analysis of mechanical and spatial functions artistically expressed in both buildings identifies their shared tectonic manifestations. Also, that analysis gives an example of conveying tradition thought tectonics based on the expression of the same functions, though achieved with completely different construction technologies and materials.
