ABSTRACT

In May 1960, Louis I. Kahn made his first and only journey to Japan to attend the World Design Conference in Tokyo. During his time in Japan, Kahn delivered the famous talk on “Form and Design” at one of the conference seminars.1 He then presented a lecture at Waseda University entitled “City Planning and the Future of Architecture” that elaborated his concepts of urban design. Through activities in and outside the conference, he acquainted himself with Japanese architects and designers. Kahn’s brief sojourn, together with the ideas of architecture and urbanism he conveyed to his Japanese audience, earned him the reputation as one of the most influential Western architects in postwar Japan.2 One of the remarkable moments of Kahn’s visit was his encounter with a group of young Japanese architects who called themselves the “Metabolists.” The group, which formally announced itself at the World Design Conference, would soon lead Japanese architecture in a new direction.