On the "Judgment Axis" as an Architect
―― As an architectural engineer, what are the criteria for your design?
1. Introduction: Where should a designer's "judgment criteria" be placed?
When building a home, many people prioritize "floor plan," "price," "design," and "location."
However, there is another element that is often overlooked.
That is the perspective of:
What does the designer themselves use as a "judgment criterion" for their design?
Is it philosophy, technology, art, or faith?
Architecture has multifaceted aspects, and there is not necessarily only one correct answer.
This time, I would like to talk about my own "judgment axis" as an architect, incorporating specific examples.
※This is strictly my personal position and way of thinking.
It is a presentation of values, not an imposition of a correct answer.
2. Institutional differences between architects (kenchikuka) and architects (kenchikushi)
First, there is a fact I would like to clarify.
There is no institutional qualification definition for the title of "architect" (kenchikuka).
Therefore, it is possible for you to call yourself an architect starting tomorrow.
On the other hand, "architect" (kenchikushi) is a national qualification, and the registration number is required to be listed on design and confirmation applications.
In other words, institutionally:
Architect (kenchikuka) → Professional/philosophical title
Architect (kenchikushi) → Qualified person under the legal system
This is how it is organized.
This is not a matter of superiority or inferiority, but a discussion of the differences in roles and systems.
Understanding this difference and knowing what position and axis the designer in front of you is working from is, I believe, an important perspective for the client as well.
3. On the philosophy of "Kaso" (house physiognomy)
I will now enter into a somewhat delicate topic.
I previously had a strong interest in Kaso and read many books on it.
I also understand that Kaso, as a historical background and philosophical system, has a certain cultural value.
I have no intention of denying religion, philosophy, or faith.
However, my position here is consistently from the perspective of "as an architectural engineer."
4. Judgment axis as an engineer
My own judgment criteria are clear.
As long as I am involved in design as an architectural engineer, I believe that judgments of "good" or "bad" should be based on technical and scientific grounds such as:
Safety
Structure
Environmental performance
Rationality
Living flow lines
Maintenance
I do not deny Kaso philosophy or divination, but I believe one should be cautious about placing them as the criteria for design judgment itself.
5. Drawing the line between philosophy and technology
In a certain specialized book on Kaso, there was the following sentence:
"In present-day Japan, that is how I judge it."
When I read this sentence, it left a strong impression on me.
That is because there was a clear awareness that "this is a philosophy and a personal judgment."
If you speak of it as a philosophy, there is no room for denial.
However, if you speak of it as technology, the criteria change.
I feel that this line is very important in architecture.
6. My position as an architectural engineer
That is precisely why I believe that unless clearly requested by the client, one should be cautious about:
Putting Kaso forward as a sales pitch
Speaking of philosophical judgments as technical judgments
If one is to speak of it as a philosophy, I also think it should be spoken of not as an "architect" (kenchikushi), but as a "designer who speaks of philosophy."
7. An example as an experimental subject
By the way, my own kitchen is in the southwest corner.
In terms of Kaso, this is a direction where taboos regarding "fire" are discussed.
However, for my home, it was the most rational layout as a result of comprehensively judging lighting, flow lines, living flow lines, and structural planning.
But that is just to say that it was optimal as a technical judgment, not that I resisted Kaso.
How do you judge it? Perhaps the architect cannot start the design unless you, the client, ultimately make the judgment.
8. What it means to have a judgment axis
This is not limited to Kaso, but a designer should also have an axis.
Of course, the client should also have an axis, and I think it is preferable if that person is clear about it.
What is important is whether you can visualize what that axis is.
Technical axis
Artistic axis
Philosophical axis
Faith axis
It is not a question of which is correct, but a question of where you place "your axis."
9. In conclusion: The act of choosing
Building a home is also an act of "choosing a designer."
Of course, there are cases where the designer is a housing manufacturer.
There are also cases where the designer is a local builder.
However, beyond just drawings and price, I believe that discerning:
What criteria does that person use to judge?
What values do they use to design?
What axis do they stand on to work?
That is what leads to "building a home you won't regret" in the true sense.
As a future series flow
As for future plans, I intend to organize:
1. Overview of land selection
2. Overview of new construction
3. Overview of maintenance
in order, and then expand into the specifics of each.
I hope this serves as material for building "decision criteria" for those struggling with architecture.
I also welcome agreement or counterarguments from architecture professionals.
By deepening the discussion, I would be happy if we could cultivate a better information space together
for those who are struggling with architecture.
Thank you for reading until the end.
If you found this insightful, it would encourage me if you could follow or click the ♡ button.
I hope to see you again.
◆ Click here for articles of interest
※ If you are interested in the overview of residential architecture, go to here .
※ If you are interested in decision criteria for choosing a home, go to here .
※ For information on land selection, go to here .
※ For information on new construction, go to here .
※ For information on maintenance, go to here .
※ For considerations regarding pre-owned homes, go to here .
※ For the importance of contracts, go to here .
Links to specific pages are provided from each overview page.
※ For home building essays, there is a table of contents page here.
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here .
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this YouTube this note
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