The 'Takasaki Shock' That Stirred the AA School

Organized by AAF (NPO Art and Architect Festa), an organization dedicated to the advancement of art and social environments through architecture, the 'Architectural Lecture Series 217' is a highly regarded talk session that fosters stimulating exchange among architects. It draws significant support from students, young architects, and general architecture enthusiasts. Each session features architects Ashizawa and Hiranuma, joined by a distinguished guest architect, exploring the possibilities and philosophies of architecture.

This session's guest is architect Masaharu Takasaki. After graduating from university in 1976, Takasaki moved to Europe, beginning his career there. In 1978, he held an exhibition at the AA School in London, renowned as the pinnacle of avant-garde architecture. His debut was a striking success, earning acclaim as the 'Takasaki Shock' and generating considerable buzz.

In 1982, he established the 'Takasaki Monobito Kenkyujo' (Takasaki Institute for Human and Material Studies) in Harajuku, Tokyo. Through this initiative, he pursued the realization of social art, engaging in everything from housing and urban development to form and design. In 1990, he founded 'Masaharu Takasaki Urban Architecture Design Office.' Confronting the challenges of depopulation and aging in rural areas, he has championed the 'Monobito Project' as a cornerstone for creating sustainable regional architecture, presenting his concepts to various municipalities. In 1998, he was recognized by Princeton Architectural Press in New York as one of the world's leading architects, with the publication of his monograph 'Takasaki Masaharu: An Architecture of Cosmology.'

The venue for this event is Cassina ixc. Osaka, located in Minami-Senba, Osaka. With a capacity of 100 attendees, registration is available through the event's webpage.

Architectural Lecture Series 217
Guest Speaker | Architect Masaharu Takasaki
Date | Friday, May 9
Time | Doors Open 6:00 PM / Lecture Starts 7:00 PM - Ends 8:30 PM
Venue | Cassina ixc. Osaka
1F, 2F, Nihon Seimei Midosuji Building, 4-2-4 Minami-Senba, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Admission | ¥1,000
Capacity | 100 people (Advance registration required, seating assigned on a first-come, first-served basis on the day)
How to Register | Via the website
www.217.aaf.ac

NPO Art and Architect Festa
www.aaf.ac

Masaharu Takasaki
Born in Kagoshima Prefecture in 1953. Studied under architect Sir Peter Cook. Collaborated with professors at the University of Stuttgart (Germany) and Graz University of Technology (Austria). Founded the 'Monobito Architecture' philosophy, centered on the spirit of 'the object is the person.' Made his professional debut with an exhibition at the AA School in London in 1978. Principal of 'Takasaki Monobito Kenkyujo' and 'Masaharu Takasaki Urban Architecture Design Office.' Currently an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects and a professor at Kyoto University of Art and Design.