ABSTRACT
Japan's construction industry has consciously made different choices compared with the choices in the same industries in North America or Europe. As one example, Japanese builders can emphasize the importance of craft, even (at times) over economy. More importantly, designers and contractors celebrate common goals in the execution of built work; aesthetic and material decisions are not solely the realm of the architect. Although there is no Single model that is universal in Japan, it is possible for the trades to have Significant impact on design. Anyone on site may make design decisions, working under the architect's orchestration. Japan's wonderful buildings thus reflect a larger context. They are the product of differences in the opportunities and processes of construction. The results are highly variable: along with many fine buildings and far too many dreary, bathroom-tilecovered blocks. Both arise from the nation's
economic, legal and political systems, and from historical norms.
