Space and form in the
Japanese home
In the traditional Japanese home, there
is no clear delineation between the interior space and the
exterior space. Japanese use an intermediate space
which employs a formal entranceway, a veranda, and various
screening devices used in place of Western styled doors and
windows. These serve to link and connect the inner
worlds with the outer.
Screens, either in the form of the
translucent shoji, the opaque fusuma, or screens constructed
of wood and/or bamboo, are used in place of or in addition
to walls and windows. They provide both form and
function with beauty by providing light, ventilation, and
privacy in a visually pleasing manner.
Custom Designs
Custom shoji's can be double faced or single
faced. John Okumura's designs integrated double hinging,
double facing and removable paper inserts, providing greater flexibility in usage,
as both sides are finished with wood latticework.
Wood Joinery
Traditional shoji
screens use wood joinery, which involves precise fittings in
order to create fluid visual effects. Shoji screen
interior joinery design can be traditional in shape,
containing rectangular or square patterns or can be
intricate and elaborate in their use of wood joinery.
Screen material
Shoji screen "paper" can be fiberglass or
other translucent materials. Screens were designed so that
the paper could be easily replaced without completely disassembling the screen. The wood used
can be in various shades ranging from a dramatic black or
dark brown to a natural light finish.
Shoji lamp designed by Masami
Takayama, architect illustrates the dramatic use of light,
paper and design.
