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extrapolated architecture
As analysed, vernacular architecture is sustainable and humble but with the changing world and the increase in the need of a dwelling, vernacular architecture simply could not meet the need. Then again, more humble and sustainable architectural designs are still required. What current architects and designers are trying to create is to combine both vernacular and contemporary architecture. Extrapolated architecture is when a contemporary architecture is created with local vernacular aspects. This type of architecture tried to be as humble and sustainable as possible while still trying to meet the necessity of a dwelling.
Many starchitects started to take action and understanding the importance of a humble and sustainable design while meeting contemporary need. One extrapolated architecture is a newly built 2020 Japan’s Olympic Stadium by architect Kengo Kuma. Located in Tokyo the stadium reflects Kuma’s understanding of the importance of sustainability in not just the environmental aspect but also humility (Great Big Story, 2019).
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Humility
A function of a stadium in its nature holds a high capacity of almost 80,000 people (Lynch, 2016). This big-scale project was able to be humble even in its character, Kuma was able to build the stadium to be as low as possible to reduce the use of materiality. At the same time to still able to hold the needed volume.
Building’s design and materiality
This stadium was heavily referenced on Japan’s vernacular architecture a 1,300 year old Gujunoto Pagoda at Horyuji temple in Karuga (Hilburg, 2019). This allows local cultural heritage to be embraced in a contemporary and big project, to not only promote but also to conserving Japan’s heritage. The building’s structural systems are a mix with concrete and mainly larch and cedarwood that support its steel roof which was locally sourced.
Kuma’s understanding of the importance of reflecting humility and sustainability guided the birth of a piece of architecture, that is for sure sustainable and humble but also able to achieve an amazing star architecture piece. This proves that being humble does not always lead onto a result of an ordinary building, that some might say monotonous and dull, but to be considerate and humble allows architects to explore various forms without sacrifising the conservation of the environment and communities.
